The Sons of Scotland has been going to Scotland every year since 2003, and they enjoy a different program every year.
In 2026, the band qualified to play in the finals in Grade 4B, one of only 3 Canadian bands outside of Grade 1 to reach that milestone. We ended up placing 12th out of 42 pipe bands, which is a terrific effort. We also played at Balmoral Castle for a 6th time.
In 2027, our trip dates will be August 8 to 18 and the main focus is the World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow Green on August 14. We add many different performances and cities into the itinerary and each year it is different. As of September 15, we have booked rooms at Napier University in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh. We have 5 flats of 8 rooms each reserved. If you are interested in joining us, please send an email to us at [email protected]
Please let us know which band you are in, and if you wish to do shows and/or competition. You will be asked to submit a recording of your playing to help us plan the roster.
As events are confirmed, they will be added to the calendar to be updated soon. Looking for free things to do? Check here for helpful information.
Getting around made affordable - check out the Visit Scotland link here
In 2026, the band qualified to play in the finals in Grade 4B, one of only 3 Canadian bands outside of Grade 1 to reach that milestone. We ended up placing 12th out of 42 pipe bands, which is a terrific effort. We also played at Balmoral Castle for a 6th time.
In 2027, our trip dates will be August 8 to 18 and the main focus is the World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow Green on August 14. We add many different performances and cities into the itinerary and each year it is different. As of September 15, we have booked rooms at Napier University in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh. We have 5 flats of 8 rooms each reserved. If you are interested in joining us, please send an email to us at [email protected]
Please let us know which band you are in, and if you wish to do shows and/or competition. You will be asked to submit a recording of your playing to help us plan the roster.
As events are confirmed, they will be added to the calendar to be updated soon. Looking for free things to do? Check here for helpful information.
Getting around made affordable - check out the Visit Scotland link here
scotland journey 2026
The band's 2026 trip to Scotland was a very special one. With competitive and show players, coming from all over the world, the band was its largest with 30 pipers and 16 drummers - many of whom competed at the World Pipe Band Championships. The band competed in Grade 4B and qualified for the final round for the first time! The Sons were the only band from North America to qualify, and one of only 5 from Canada across all grades to achieve that goal.
Landing 6th out of 21 bands, and then landing a very respectable 12th out of 42 bands in their grade is a great result, one to be proud of for both Ottawa and Canada.
The trip's cast included very talented dancers from the MacCulloch Dancers of Ottawa and the Schiehallion Dancers from Hamilton, Ontario as well as guest dancers from Toronto and West Virginia - and did they ever add to our concerts! We performed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh City Chambers, Blair Atholl Castle and our huge concert at Balmoral Castle, and everyone did so well. Our largest contingent heading to Balmoral Castle, including many guest players and friends, topped 220, and everyone loved the day. We look forward to another great trip next year, so get in touch if you want to join us!
Landing 6th out of 21 bands, and then landing a very respectable 12th out of 42 bands in their grade is a great result, one to be proud of for both Ottawa and Canada.
The trip's cast included very talented dancers from the MacCulloch Dancers of Ottawa and the Schiehallion Dancers from Hamilton, Ontario as well as guest dancers from Toronto and West Virginia - and did they ever add to our concerts! We performed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh City Chambers, Blair Atholl Castle and our huge concert at Balmoral Castle, and everyone did so well. Our largest contingent heading to Balmoral Castle, including many guest players and friends, topped 220, and everyone loved the day. We look forward to another great trip next year, so get in touch if you want to join us!
Highlights for the 2026 trip can be found on our Facebook event page. Look for our logo, or click on this link to take you to the page.
We will post updates, share information, and make sure that photos and videos before, during, and after the trip are put there.
We will post updates, share information, and make sure that photos and videos before, during, and after the trip are put there.
sponsors for the 2026 trip
The pipe band covers costs for administration and more to help us get ready to travel and compete.
We are very grateful to the MacKinnon Restaurants Group for their donation towards our coach travel costs. Beechwood Cemetery, Canada's National Military Cemetery, is also a great supporter of our band's travel.
We are very grateful to the MacKinnon Restaurants Group for their donation towards our coach travel costs. Beechwood Cemetery, Canada's National Military Cemetery, is also a great supporter of our band's travel.
great memories
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 bainfield drive
The flats are located in the west end of Edinburgh at 6 Bainfield Drive. 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 - the show sets are standard tunes, and those will be posted on the Scotland member page once the shows are arranged - that's still to come. And for players not sure if they'll compete at the Worlds - get the set, learn the set, and prepare to try. Beth will help you with that with videos and Zoom calls, but do your best early on. And if you compete with a band where you live, you will need to do a band transfer to the Sons for the Worlds so let your band leaders at home know that. You will be transferred back as soon as the trip is complete.
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 3 extra bags free each, which we use for drums or extra luggage. They can weigh up to 70 pounds each. The rooms sometimes get warm so if you have a portable fan that plugs into a USB port, bring it along to keep your room cool. Pack a door stopper too - the doors slam shut loudly which is good unless folk are sleeping!
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 the 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.
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 but if you forget anything, head down to the PoundLand not far from us and stock up.
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. You may want to pack a spare towel and buy a pillow. 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. Update your WhatsApp with your UK number so you continue to see and send messages. Swap it out for the next trip when you come home. Keep your usual one tucked safely away.
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
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 - the show sets are standard tunes, and those will be posted on the Scotland member page once the shows are arranged - that's still to come. And for players not sure if they'll compete at the Worlds - get the set, learn the set, and prepare to try. Beth will help you with that with videos and Zoom calls, but do your best early on. And if you compete with a band where you live, you will need to do a band transfer to the Sons for the Worlds so let your band leaders at home know that. You will be transferred back as soon as the trip is complete.
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 3 extra bags free each, which we use for drums or extra luggage. They can weigh up to 70 pounds each. The rooms sometimes get warm so if you have a portable fan that plugs into a USB port, bring it along to keep your room cool. Pack a door stopper too - the doors slam shut loudly which is good unless folk are sleeping!
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 the 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.
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 but if you forget anything, head down to the PoundLand not far from us and stock up.
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. You may want to pack a spare towel and buy a pillow. 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. Update your WhatsApp with your UK number so you continue to see and send messages. Swap it out for the next trip when you come home. Keep your usual one tucked safely away.
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
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
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!
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
A great event to take in is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Tickets and information is available through this link: 2024
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
balmoral castle private performance, 2022
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
