Williamwood pipe bands achieve fundraising objectives with Tour de CalMac

Glasgow’s Williamwood Pipe Band says it achieved its ultimate goal on May 30th in its creative fundraising effort that saw more than 50 members and supporters of the organization cover 51 miles by bicycle, foot and ferry in its second “Tour de CalMac” five ferries challenge.

Members of both the Williamwood Grade 2 and Grade 4 bands were joined by two support vans provided by Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental.

Band member Grant McDowell said, “Hopefully we have raised good funds that will keep us going for a while, at least until the next big fundraiser. The band successfully completed the challenge – approximately 50 members, 51 miles, five ferries, and a lot of very sore legs, with an extraordinary effort from everyone who participated. We were fortunate to have two vans as support vehicles that were kindly supplied by Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental and a good support network of band members helping the all cyclist achieve their ultimate goal, we need to say a big thanks to everyone who has sponsored us for this.”

The fundraiser started at Ardrossan on May 30th with a ferry to the isle of Arran, then a ferry to Kintyre, cycling to Tarbet, a ferry to Portavadie, cycling around the Cowal peninsula, a ferry to the isle of Bute for a cycle tour around the island, and a final ferry crossing and more cycling at Wemyss Bay.

The organization has had a successful competition campaign in 2010, with both bands gaining prizes at the two major championships held so far. The Grade 2 band was upgraded from Grade 3A after the 2009 season.

In another fundraising campaign, the organization in 2009 staged a sponsored climb to and band practice on the top of Ben Lomond.