The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association have today issued the following statement: ‘The Board of Directors were today advised the Chief Executive, Ian Embelton, plans to retire from the role at the end of November 2020.
‘Ian had originally intended to retire after the World Pipe Band Championships in 2020, but with the current situation he agreed to delay his retirement until later in the year.
‘Ian has been pivotal to the organisation since he joined us in March 2001, and after almost 20 years, and now that he is approaching his 70th birthday, he feels the time is right to retire.
‘The Board expressed their sincere thanks to Ian for his service over the years, and the energy, dedication, and knowledge he brought to the organisation. Ian has kindly offered to remain within the organisation on a part time basis post November, to assist with transition.’
The editor writes: ‘Ian Embelton has been an outstanding servant of the RSPBA over two decades. He has overseen the turn around in the Association’s finances which were in a dire strait when he assumed office.
‘He has been instrumental in the renovation of the Headquarters building in Washington Street, and this state of the art building will be a physical reminder of his contribution.
‘Ian came to pipe bands with no knowledge of this musical world nor of its politics. He was thus able to deal with everyone with equanimity, without any agenda impinging on his decision making or approach. This earned him the respect of all bands, Association officials and the wider pipe band public.
‘He has entered band folklore, an achievement very few of his predecessors managed. His deadpan delivery of world-changing results have become the stuff of legend.
‘Ian has done an outstanding job for us all and can now look forward to a thoroughly well-deserved retirement, satisfied with his endeavour and respected by all who worked with him.’