Grade 1 World’s Week practice schedules

For the fourth straight year we are pleased to provide readers with a guide to the schedules and locations of practices of Grade 1 bands competing for the 2005 World Pipe Band Championship on August 13 in Glasgow.

All bands are listed, including those that have not yet responded with details. Their information will be added when it is provided, so please check back over the days leading up to the World’s. Readers are advised that schedules may change, and that they should double-check before making travel plans. Bands are listed in alphabetical order.

We hope that you enjoy this guide.

Alberta Caledonia

Ballinderry Bridge

Ballycoan

Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia
When/where: Aug. 8, 10, 11, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Deans Community High School, Livingston. Aug 12, 2 p.m., Glasgow Green.
Note: “We are always delighted welcome visitors to our practices.” You can also catch all three bands at the Lothian & Borders RSPBA Branch Championship in North Berwick on August 6.

City of Washington
When: Aug. 11, 3 p.m.; Aug. 12, 10 a.m. (depending on weather)
Where: Dobbies’ Loan, Glasgow Caledonia University
Note: The band will also be playing at George Square on Thursday at 12:20.

Clan Gregor
When / where: Aug. 7, Airth, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Aug. 8-10, Airth, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Aug. 11, South Queensferry, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Aug. 12, Glasgow Green, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Note: Directions can be found at Clan Gregor’s Web site.

David Urquhart Travel
When: Aug, 9, 10 and 12 starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Church of Scotland Dennistoun, Armadale Street, Glasgow
Note: “Everyone is welcome to come along.”

Dysart & Dundonald
When: Aug. 10 and 12, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Dundonald Institute, Cardenden

Field-Marshal Montgomery
When: Aug. 11 & 12, aprrox. 2:30-5 p.m.
Where: Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow
Note: “Visitors are welcome. We’re still working on where we will be if it’s wet.”

Glasgow Pipes & Drums

House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead
When: 8-10 every night of the week.
Where: Band hall, Shotts
Note: All welcome. Large parties should prior arrange (see band Web site.)

Lothian & Borders Police

Manawatu Scottish
When: Late morning and mid-afternoon, Aug. 8-12
Where: Alexander Court, Stirling University, Stirling
Note: “All are welcome for a listen and a beer afterwards.”

Nunawading

Peel Regional Police
When: 11:30 – 12:30, Aug. 9 – 12
Where: Victoria Hall of Residence, Glasgow

Prince Charles
When: Aug. 9-12, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Botanical Gardens, near Byres Road, Glasgow
Note: “Audiences are most definitely welcome.”

Robert Wiseman Dairies – Vale of Atholl
When: Aug. 4 & 11, 7-9 p.m.; Aug. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Aug. 9, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Tulloch Institute, Perth – Close to St Johnstone football ground. See www.thevale.org.

ScottishPower
When: Aug 10, 8-10 p.m.; Aug. 11, 6-8 p.m.; Aug. 12, 8-10 p.m.
Where: ScottishPower HQ, Cathcart
Note: There is a security restriction and space is tight so would be good if anyone intending to visit e-mail or called in advance: 0141 353 0220.

78th Fraser Highlanders
When: Aug. 8-12. Mornings.
Where: Strathclyde University
Note: All practices will be in the quad or on the grass to the east of the residences on Rottenrow. “A very close walk to the Todd.”

78th Highlanders (Halifax)
When/where: August 10: 3-5 p.m. – Glasgow Caledonian University, Dobbies Loan. August 11: 3-5 p.m. – Glasgow Caledonian University, Dobbies Loan. August 12: 10-12 a.m. – Glasgow Green.
Note: “All are welcome to come out and listen. In addition, the band is playing in George Square as part of the Piping Live Festival on Monday, August 8, 12:45 to 1:15 p.m.

Simon Fraser University
When: Aug. 8-12, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Alexander Court, Stirling University, Stirling

St. Laurence O’Toole

Strathclyde Police
When: Aug. 8, 7-10 p.m.; Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m.; Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m.(outside); Aug. 11, 7-10 p.m.; Aug. 12, 2-4 p.m. (outside)
Where: Lochinch Police Club, Pollok Country Park (near the Burrell Collection). Take the M8 westbound over the Kingston Bridge, then exit at Junction 22, M77, heading for Kilmarnock. Exit at Junction 1 and enter Pollok Country Park. (Behind Haggs Castle Golf Club). Follow road through park until arriving at Police Club on right. Journey should take about 10 mins from Glasgow City Centre.
Note: “We always enjoy having people come and listening to the practices and will make everyone more than welcome. Some lucky individuals will receive items of offical merchandise free during some of the week’s practices.”

Toronto Police
When: 11 a.m., Aug. 8-12
Where: Strathclyde University
Note: Practicing “wherever we can find a bit of grass.”

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