The Contingent and Friends
The party consisted of 13 Pipers, 6 side drummers, 3 Tenor Drummers, a Base Drummer, a Flag Bearer and a supporting party of 4. During the trip we met up with the families of a number of the band members. So all in all about 40 De La Salle Scout people and their families were in Scotland during the trip.
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The band had the use of all of the facilities of the 1st North Berwick Scout Group at its hall and in through scouting spirit the band made its self very comfortable in a short space of time. We also had the use of the North Berwick Community leisure centre where we were able to swim and shower.
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While the itinerary for the trip was very busy there was plenty of time allowed for band members to visit the local town and just relax and have a good time. Friday evening was free and most of the group went back into Edinburgh. Some went to the pictures while a small number of "young older" members of the band sampled the local nightlife. Saturday evening was also free and again members of the band did various things to entertain themselves. Throughout the week the band had access to the swimming pool and it was given plenty of use.
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Scotland Sights
On Sunday morning after attending Mass in North Berwick the members of the band spent most of the day visiting the sites in Edinburgh City. Everyone was very enthusiastic about their visit to many of the historic sites including Edinburgh Castle.
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The band spent Monday and Tuesday on a bus tour of the lower Scottish Highlands. We visited Sterling Castle, Callander, The Trossachs, Loch Earn, Loch Tay, Aberfeldy, Pitlorchry, Blairgowrie, Dundee, The Water World at Rosyth and Forth Bridges. On Monday night the band was in Pitlochry and it stayed at The Baptist Church Centre. This was a very comfortable hotel and everyone was delighted to have a nice soft bed to sleep in. While there the group attended and enjoyed the Town’s Scottish night.
Above: Taking part in the parade at North Berwick.
Thank You BBQ: On returning from Pipe Fest we attended a Thank you BBQ in Lyle’s front garden and one more final time for this trip anyway the band entertained the people of North Berwick. After eating and drinking our fill the band again thanked everyone who had helped in any way with the trip and the Group Leader Dave Rogers presented the 1st North Berwick Scout Group with a thank you plaque.
Journey Home: Monday August 22nd saw the band members up at the crack of dawn to pack, load the van and head home. The Van headed off just after 7 a.m. in order to catch the boat at midday to Belfast. After a major clean up the rest of the band headed by bus to Prestwick for a flight to Dublin. Then once again the VEC bus took most of the band members to Waterford while a number headed down by car. All arrived home in or a round 6 p.m. and thus concluded a most memorable and enjoyable Scottish trip.
Thank you and congratulations from Pat Murphy Pipe Major: To the entire band as Pipe Major I would thank you and congratulate you on your playing and your excellent behaviour through out the trip. You were a treat and a pleasure to be with. So here’s to another visit next year??? Any Takers???
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