The Sons of Scotland has been going to Scotland every year since 2003, and they enjoy a different program every year. The main focus is the World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow Green, but they are certainly open to adding many different performances and cities into their itinerary. Our friends at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa have offered us the chance to host a big fundraiser at their location to help pay for costs of our 2024 trip.
If you wish to travel with the band in 2024, please message Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca We plan on traveling from August 10 to 21, 2024. The World Pipe Band Championships will take place on August 16/17. The page following has payment dates and member information that is secure, and it will be kept up to date. We are looking at a return to Balmoral Castle and a special royal performance in 2024 - this is not yet confirmed, but in the planning.
If you wish to travel with the band in 2024, please message Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca We plan on traveling from August 10 to 21, 2024. The World Pipe Band Championships will take place on August 16/17. The page following has payment dates and member information that is secure, and it will be kept up to date. We are looking at a return to Balmoral Castle and a special royal performance in 2024 - this is not yet confirmed, but in the planning.
our thanks for the 2023 trip
| sons_of_scotland_pb_at_balhousie_castle.pdf |
a new partnership in scotland
We are very pleased to have contacted the wonderful people at the new Stirling Distillery, and we had a superb visit, tasting and show during our trip to Scotland and Stirling - have a look at their shop here and see what they have - it's really fantastic!
highlights of our 2022 trip courtesy of gwynn mcintosh with our sincere thanks!
helpful information and more
Edinburgh flats - napier university at 6 bainfield drive
,The flats are located in the west end of Edinburgh. There is a Sainsbury Express on the main floor, and a LIDL grocery shop about 10 minutes walk away that has a lot of food at good prices.
Here are some helpful hints and information to make our upcoming trip to Scotland its best.
Before you go...Make sure you have your passport. Good idea to make a photocopy of it and leave it at home in case you lose it. Leave it in your room in your flat, and only bring it out to visit venues requiring id. Don’t carry any liquids in your carry on bags. Don’t travel with your knives or pointy objects in piper’s maintenance kits. If you have room, put your entire maintenance kit in your checked luggage. Pack your earplugs for the plane, and something to read. Bring a sweater on board in your pipe case – helps you snuggle up and sleep. Some flights do not provide meals, so make sure to plan to purchase something to eat/drink at the airport.
A purchase of travel insurance is recommended and it's a good idea to let your credit card company know you're traveling so they don't flag your card. I always order UK currency at my bank's main branch to have sent to my local one, and they call when it gets in - very handy. Do that early so you're not in a rush when you need it. Bank machines take our debit cards too.
Pack your music. Pad, chanter and sticks are all required for practices in the flats. Be sure to be ready to hit the ground playing! Daily practice and daily play is what we are doing, and we keep working at it until it's superb. The WhatsApp app helps coordinate friends heading out to visit the city while we work, and meeting up later is made easier.
What to pack... Scotland gets rain. Pack a raincoat, an umbrella, and a good shopping bag. Comfy shoes are a must - you'll do lots of walking. Your room's wardrobe may have hangers, or may not, depending on the previous tenant, so pack a couple to be sure. Pipe band folk - roll up your kilt to save the pleats from getting wonky, and lay out your jacket/vest carefully in your suitcase. They are hard to iron! You can bring up to 50 pounds in the first bag before getting charged extra, so weigh your bag before you go. 2nd bag is yours to pay for, so if you plan on doing a lot of shopping when there, partner up with other folk to combine items for that bag - saves you some money. Just be aware of what's in the luggage. When military folk travel with us, they get 2 extra bags free each, which we use for drums or extra luggage. They can weigh up to 70 pounds each.
The uniform items: Bring your glengarry (make sure your badge is sewn on), 1 long sleeved and 1 short sleeved white shirts, your necktie, jacket, vest and kilt, sporran, belt, 2 pair of black band hose, flashes, skean dhu, shoes and your Inverness cape. If you have medals, please bring them and wear them! I bring extra shoelaces and insoles in case of shoe emergencies. We do shop for highland gear when in Scotland, so let the PM know what you need - new or from a charity shop, we know where all the good items are! I also buy short sleeved white dress shirts at Primark - they are hard to find in Ottawa, but we're there at back to school time and they have them for sale for about 6 pounds. There is a spot on the Royal Mile that sells hose for 1-2 pounds. We will go there.
In your Flat: You will have a utility room with ironing board/iron ( if no iron is there, ask for one at reception), mop, broom which also doubles as a good place to keep your suitcase once you are unpacked. There are laundry facilities in each building, and there is a weekly cleaning person that comes in. They change sheets weekly, and you are provided with linens and towels in each room. Kitchens have flatwear, plates and cups – kettle, fridge and stove – some have microwaves, but not all. Some have toasters, but not many. Room assignments are posted on the Scotland member page, and I like to have a volunteer to share information from each flat. You might want to pack a fan or pick one up when there - sometimes the rooms get hot.
We will have some early mornings, so don't forget an alarm clock or know your phone's alarm settings. Bring along your charging cords and something to prop open your room door - a doorstop can be a great addition to comfort and lessens the slamming of doors.
Flats at Napier University all have a different number of rooms and are all ensuite. Linens and towels are provided, and there is a tv in the living room area. Right across the street is a mall with places to accommodate groups for meals. Visit them at www.fountainpark.co.uk There is a Sainsburys Express on the premises, and a LIDL store a 10 minute walk away for all your food and drink essentials. It's a good idea to pack an extra towel and some soap for your bathroom. Bring or buy a pillow - the one provided is quite small. Primark sells them for a low price. Poundland is also a good shop and not far from the flats. See its location here.
All flats have free WIFI now and it is a good idea to copy down your passwords for email accounts so you can access them there. Electrical current in Scotland is 220, not 110 like in Canada, and their plug ends are a different shape. Most electronic items like phone/camera/laptop chargers can accept 220, but the plug won’t fit in the receptacle in Scotland, for this you will need a simple adapter that does not step down the power. Check your device to see what range it accepts, it is usually noted right on it. Other devices, small appliances like hair dryers, will need an adapter that also steps down the power to 110, or else they will melt. You can pick up small appliances at shops like Argos or Primark or the charity shops and there are lots of those all over the city.
When you arrive at your room, inspect the flat for any previous damage, or stains to the carpet etc, document them if you have a camera and report them to your flat master, this way the band will not be held responsible for damage incurred by the previous guests. This has been an issue in the past. It's not a bad idea to get a SIM card at a local phone shop and put it in your phone - it's easier than worrying about your wifi costs, and you'll get a new UK phone number while there. Swap it out for the next trip when you come home. Keep your usual one tucked safely away. We go get this done on day 1, and the cost in 2022 was 20 pounds for 55GB.
Shopping: There is great shopping in Scotland. There are a lot of charity shops nearby, and a Sainsburys downstairs to pick up a few things. Tesco and LIDL are great for food as well and there are some close. If you wish to pick up any small appliances, visit the Argos shop on the North Bridge. Visit www.argos.co.uk for information.We also think Primark is a great place to shop on Princes Street for lots of things including towels, souvenirs, and many other items.
Make sure to have a look at the sites of castles we'll visit so that you can plan ahead to pick up a nice souvenir or gift.
The Palace of HolyroodHouse giftshop site
Scone Palace giftshop site
Some pubs restrict entry to younger patrons at different times of the day, depending on food service. Be sure to check and see if the places you wish to visit have any rules about that. You can plan inexpensive travel with kids here on ScotRail.
Free things to do in Edinburgh listed here
Here are some helpful hints and information to make our upcoming trip to Scotland its best.
Before you go...Make sure you have your passport. Good idea to make a photocopy of it and leave it at home in case you lose it. Leave it in your room in your flat, and only bring it out to visit venues requiring id. Don’t carry any liquids in your carry on bags. Don’t travel with your knives or pointy objects in piper’s maintenance kits. If you have room, put your entire maintenance kit in your checked luggage. Pack your earplugs for the plane, and something to read. Bring a sweater on board in your pipe case – helps you snuggle up and sleep. Some flights do not provide meals, so make sure to plan to purchase something to eat/drink at the airport.
A purchase of travel insurance is recommended and it's a good idea to let your credit card company know you're traveling so they don't flag your card. I always order UK currency at my bank's main branch to have sent to my local one, and they call when it gets in - very handy. Do that early so you're not in a rush when you need it. Bank machines take our debit cards too.
Pack your music. Pad, chanter and sticks are all required for practices in the flats. Be sure to be ready to hit the ground playing! Daily practice and daily play is what we are doing, and we keep working at it until it's superb. The WhatsApp app helps coordinate friends heading out to visit the city while we work, and meeting up later is made easier.
What to pack... Scotland gets rain. Pack a raincoat, an umbrella, and a good shopping bag. Comfy shoes are a must - you'll do lots of walking. Your room's wardrobe may have hangers, or may not, depending on the previous tenant, so pack a couple to be sure. Pipe band folk - roll up your kilt to save the pleats from getting wonky, and lay out your jacket/vest carefully in your suitcase. They are hard to iron! You can bring up to 50 pounds in the first bag before getting charged extra, so weigh your bag before you go. 2nd bag is yours to pay for, so if you plan on doing a lot of shopping when there, partner up with other folk to combine items for that bag - saves you some money. Just be aware of what's in the luggage. When military folk travel with us, they get 2 extra bags free each, which we use for drums or extra luggage. They can weigh up to 70 pounds each.
The uniform items: Bring your glengarry (make sure your badge is sewn on), 1 long sleeved and 1 short sleeved white shirts, your necktie, jacket, vest and kilt, sporran, belt, 2 pair of black band hose, flashes, skean dhu, shoes and your Inverness cape. If you have medals, please bring them and wear them! I bring extra shoelaces and insoles in case of shoe emergencies. We do shop for highland gear when in Scotland, so let the PM know what you need - new or from a charity shop, we know where all the good items are! I also buy short sleeved white dress shirts at Primark - they are hard to find in Ottawa, but we're there at back to school time and they have them for sale for about 6 pounds. There is a spot on the Royal Mile that sells hose for 1-2 pounds. We will go there.
In your Flat: You will have a utility room with ironing board/iron ( if no iron is there, ask for one at reception), mop, broom which also doubles as a good place to keep your suitcase once you are unpacked. There are laundry facilities in each building, and there is a weekly cleaning person that comes in. They change sheets weekly, and you are provided with linens and towels in each room. Kitchens have flatwear, plates and cups – kettle, fridge and stove – some have microwaves, but not all. Some have toasters, but not many. Room assignments are posted on the Scotland member page, and I like to have a volunteer to share information from each flat. You might want to pack a fan or pick one up when there - sometimes the rooms get hot.
We will have some early mornings, so don't forget an alarm clock or know your phone's alarm settings. Bring along your charging cords and something to prop open your room door - a doorstop can be a great addition to comfort and lessens the slamming of doors.
Flats at Napier University all have a different number of rooms and are all ensuite. Linens and towels are provided, and there is a tv in the living room area. Right across the street is a mall with places to accommodate groups for meals. Visit them at www.fountainpark.co.uk There is a Sainsburys Express on the premises, and a LIDL store a 10 minute walk away for all your food and drink essentials. It's a good idea to pack an extra towel and some soap for your bathroom. Bring or buy a pillow - the one provided is quite small. Primark sells them for a low price. Poundland is also a good shop and not far from the flats. See its location here.
All flats have free WIFI now and it is a good idea to copy down your passwords for email accounts so you can access them there. Electrical current in Scotland is 220, not 110 like in Canada, and their plug ends are a different shape. Most electronic items like phone/camera/laptop chargers can accept 220, but the plug won’t fit in the receptacle in Scotland, for this you will need a simple adapter that does not step down the power. Check your device to see what range it accepts, it is usually noted right on it. Other devices, small appliances like hair dryers, will need an adapter that also steps down the power to 110, or else they will melt. You can pick up small appliances at shops like Argos or Primark or the charity shops and there are lots of those all over the city.
When you arrive at your room, inspect the flat for any previous damage, or stains to the carpet etc, document them if you have a camera and report them to your flat master, this way the band will not be held responsible for damage incurred by the previous guests. This has been an issue in the past. It's not a bad idea to get a SIM card at a local phone shop and put it in your phone - it's easier than worrying about your wifi costs, and you'll get a new UK phone number while there. Swap it out for the next trip when you come home. Keep your usual one tucked safely away. We go get this done on day 1, and the cost in 2022 was 20 pounds for 55GB.
Shopping: There is great shopping in Scotland. There are a lot of charity shops nearby, and a Sainsburys downstairs to pick up a few things. Tesco and LIDL are great for food as well and there are some close. If you wish to pick up any small appliances, visit the Argos shop on the North Bridge. Visit www.argos.co.uk for information.We also think Primark is a great place to shop on Princes Street for lots of things including towels, souvenirs, and many other items.
Make sure to have a look at the sites of castles we'll visit so that you can plan ahead to pick up a nice souvenir or gift.
The Palace of HolyroodHouse giftshop site
Scone Palace giftshop site
Some pubs restrict entry to younger patrons at different times of the day, depending on food service. Be sure to check and see if the places you wish to visit have any rules about that. You can plan inexpensive travel with kids here on ScotRail.
Free things to do in Edinburgh listed here
We are using Whats App as a communication tool while overseas.
secret scotland
For lots more helpful travel information to help with planning, be sure to visit Secret Scotland for lots of great ideas and more!
10 adventures
Get inspired to create your own itinerary with the help of the professionals at 10 Adventures who can help plan your trip to Scotland and further afield!
A great event to take in is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Tickets and information is available through this link: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/
Purchase your tickets before heading over to make sure it's not sold out the night you want to go. Link is here for purchases: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets
You can also look at this page for good information on packages: https://www.theatrebreaks.com/edinburgh/shows-edinburgh/royal-edinburgh-military-tattoo-breaks
Purchase your tickets before heading over to make sure it's not sold out the night you want to go. Link is here for purchases: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets
You can also look at this page for good information on packages: https://www.theatrebreaks.com/edinburgh/shows-edinburgh/royal-edinburgh-military-tattoo-breaks
train travel throughout scotland and more
Visit Trainline here to see their rates and routes. A great number of options to get you around in style!
other itinerary ideas
Travel from Edinburgh
If you're keen to explore the UK or Europe, visit www.edreams.com for information on well priced airfare from Edinburgh. Our location at the University flats is close to the airport shuttle spot downtown.
Megabus provides excellent and very affordable coach travel too; visit www.megabus.co.uk to have a look at prices starting from 1 pound!
Some great day trip sites to research: www.rabbies.com www.timberbush-tours.co.uk www.highlandexplorertours.com www.getyourguide.com www.city-discovery.com
Megabus provides excellent and very affordable coach travel too; visit www.megabus.co.uk to have a look at prices starting from 1 pound!
Some great day trip sites to research: www.rabbies.com www.timberbush-tours.co.uk www.highlandexplorertours.com www.getyourguide.com www.city-discovery.com
scotland trip 2024
If you are interested in going with us in 2024, please complete this form and send your details in to Beth. All applications will be considered, but space is limited. Thank you.
