Ian Plunkett: ‘Well done to Ian Forbes for speaking up. Remember there used to be six majors if we include Cowal, which was not only a championship but a massive all day event finishing after midnight.
‘For too long all bands have been taken for granted by the organisation and I believe therein lies the problem. If all worked together there probably would be a bit more tolerance with the situation, rather than ‘that’s it, take it or leave it’ from the RSPBA. Sad for all the great musicians and pipe bands out there.
‘There could possibly be a cost implication with the suggestion that bands have to attend minor contests in order to compete in the majors. With most bands finding finances tough, the hiring of a bus for two minor contests could be a step too far.’
Editor: ‘I can’t remember there ever being six majors Ian. The UKs were created to compensate for the loss of Cowal as far as I remember. As regards the costs of attending minors, I think that bit of a red herring. I’m advocating Grade 1 bands attending two minors within their home branch. Fife Police getting to Markinch? Shotts heading for Ardrossan? Cars, buses, trains.
‘Looking down the lists of minor contests published yesterday, I was astonished to find that there is not one minor in Lanarkshire, formerly such an influential breeding ground of great pipe bands. Shotts, Lanark, Lesmahagow all gone. The pipe band movement is in decline, no question, and there is a responsibility on the big bands to do more to help restore the profile.’
Stuart Roxburgh: ‘This has possibly been answered before, but in the absence of the UK contest, why don’t the RSPBA incorporate either the English Championship and/or the All Ireland Championship as the fifth major?
‘In theory, they could have a Scottish, English and Irish Championships plus either a British or European Championship ahead of the Worlds. Is using existing contests too easy a solution?’
Stephen Chapman: ‘That is a very sound, forward-thinking idea, but unfortunately it’s not theirs.’
Anonymous: ‘The four majors are condensed into five weeks.’
Allan Hamilton: ‘I hear a lot of criticism directed at the RSPBA and its officials. They may have been attracted to these posts for the initial joy of recognition, etc., but they would soon realise the earnest work to be done.
‘I do not doubt that they have tried within their ability to perform the tasks well. I must say that their generation is the last one to take up onerous posts. Where are the guys in their 20s/30s/40s/50s with the energy and ability to do this work? We all worked long hours ran families and still found time to volunteer. Step up and do it now.’
Glen Thomson, USA: ‘Hear, hear Allan. This is a worldwide problem though. Remember when we were college aged and went out to hear music and the bands were all our age? Now we go out to hear music and the bands are still our age. Clubs can’t get volunteers, especially younger ones; Highland games can’t get the young people to volunteer.’
