The day started with a brief gathering of the parents to open wallets and hand over some more money. Costs had been finalized for tonights pre-worlds dinner so "please pay £10 each" i.e. for band member and parent. After the regular morning band practice we fed the kids early (11:30) and Robb and I ended up not scattering like everyone else so we decided to go play a round of golf on the Airthey Golf Course which forms part of the university grounds and is only a couple hundred yards from our residence. It is only a little par 27 9 hole course but I has many little challenges being built in a small valley and the banks of the valley. Robb actually asked me to play a round with him which was pretty good but ... read more

Today we started with a cake walk. Well actually the search for a cake for the kids on their return from the Worlds in Glasgow on Saturday. So Doug and I are sent to research the local bakeries and report back to "those who must be obeyed" or as they are becoming referred to here as "the Queens". The Bridge of Allan has only two bakeries so the task was within the grasp of a couple older guys. But first we had to fill and order from one Queen to pick up 4 scotch pies from a small strore called Mathiesons. They are a small bakery selling some breads, rolls, desserts, sandwiches, and pies. That task completed we made our way to the bakery their highnesses had directed us to. A similar bakery to Mathiesons staffed ... read more

Success yesterday for the band makes today a "free" day so it was off to Stirling. Joan, myself, Mike McNeil and Lori Kortshak led the tour of kids. From the university by bus to the Stirling Train station for information so Joan who leaves early can get from here to Glasgow airport. The rail people refer us to the Stirling Bus Station where Joan finds what she needs. And guess what ? We are right next to the Thistle Shopping centre and Lorie is looking for a cell phone. Of course there are phone stores in malls, . . . even in scotland. Then out the door to the streets of Stirling where the sounds of pipes are heard. Out on the streets of Stirling are a couple of "buskers" - - - two of the ... read more

Another Sunday and the piping routine conntinues with another Highland Games competition but this Sunday we are at the Bridge of Allan in Scotland. The Bridge of Allan is only a couple miles from where we are staying at the university. For the kids, it's on the bus at 9:45AM to be transported to the games site. Not too far for pipers to walk but can you imagine packing some of those drums, especially the big bass drum that far ?! Parents made our own way to the games, most I think by enjoying a Sunday morning walk. The Bridge of Allan is a small community not far from Stirling which is about midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The community may be small, the games venue might be small, but it is a very busy venue ... read more

We arrived at our lodgings in Alexander Court at the University of Stirling on Saturday afternoon. Our room assignments are temporary for a couple days beacause of flight cancellations and rescheduling compliments of Canadian Affair and My Trave airlines. We move into our more permanent locations in just a couple days. After getting moved in there was a short band practice followed by a band meeting and a parents meeting. Then, surprise, surprise, the whole band had a "gig" for the University. There was an international World Youth Congress at the university for the past week and tonight was there wind-up banquet. The RMM Pipe Band piped in young adults from around the world as they made their way into the formal banquet. The band was impressive and several of the 'locals' commented on how impressed ... read more

Finally, Canadian Affair our ticket seller and MyTravel, our carrier got us to Glasgow. The only thing good about this part of the adventure was a good tail wind that got us at the Glasgow terminal an hour ahead of schedule. Canadian Affair had supposedly set up for a special group book in of the band at YVR. An hour and a half later Robb and I made it after watching people in the nearby "regular" line up seemingly fly by. The plane was the most crammed ever. There was so little leg room and space between the seats that not only did legs cramp up but so did my arm. Can't comment on the movies or music because the speaker jacks for my seat were not working. Refreshments were available but 1£ (2.50) for a ... read more

Getting to this point has been somewhat like that mouse going round and round in the spinning wheel but getting no where. It has been a hectic summer getting ready for "the Tour" what with 2 or 3 practices each week, daily for the past two weeks, and competions throughout the Pacific Northwest since the May long weekend. On one of our journeys I was able to meet up with a couple of old friends from way back when. It was really great to squeeze in an hours worth of coffee with Bruce and Marion while we were en route to the Penticton Highland Games and the Piping Hot Summer Drummer band "camp" at Silverstar in Vernon. Anyhow some office clean up today and it will be pack like mad this evening. ... read more