The RSPBA has dropped the idea of a switch in date for the UK Pipe Band Championships. They canvassed bands over a possible change from July 12 to May 3. Returns showed the majority were against.
Many had already booked buses, hotels, flights to Ingliston’s Royal Highland Centre. Others thought it too early in the season and had other commitments that day.
By the Editor
It remains to be seen how many bands will enter the UKs. They may suffer lower attendance with question marks over entries from Inveraray, Field Marshal, Closkelt, Ravara, and several other prominent outfits. The matter may be raised at the RSPBA’s AGM this Saturday in Glasgow at Washington Street HQ.
Some interesting points from the AGM Order Paper…
Adjudicators Panel Chairman Robert Mathieson: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the 12 new panel members who will all commence adjudication duties this season. We also have potentially an additional seven members who are currently on the training course, scheduled to complete by the end of 2025. This will further boost our panel membership for 2026. Our current list has 73 appointed panel members, which includes 23 qualified ensemble, panel members.’
With the reduced number of contests one hopes there will be enough events to go around and the excellent work of the APMB in training new judges will not go to waste.
Finance Convenor Malcolm Brown-Scott reveals a new profit partnership with contest sponsors: ‘We need to change to a new method of funding with the promoters. We now follow more of a profit-sharing profile with them, so our income is less predictable.
‘I set up a detailed, forward-looking cash flow to assist HQ in planning when the highs and lows in our bank balances would occur……. Every section of the association is aware of the constraints in its funding and are looking at ways to minimize costs and improve funding.
‘Our newly appointed Funding Officer has been tasked with increasing our non-operating income as we seek other avenues of income for the association. We will, however, continue with close monitoring and control of costs.
‘Included in total liabilities is the outstanding balance of £75,000 due on a loan made available in 2021 under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. The loan is being repaid by monthly instalments totaling £30,000 per year and will continue to do so until repaid in full.’
I hear rumours of cuts to band prizemoney this year – £500 in each grade at each championship. I stress this is a rumour but it would tie in with the financial constraints the Association is facing.
According to submitted accounts the Worlds made a profit of £86,000 on income of £254,000; the Scottish made a loss of £1,500 on income of £74,000, the Euros made a profit of £32,000 on income of £105,000. The British and the UKs both made substantial losses of around £70,000.
In rough figs., total profit from the majors £118,000; losses £142,000, a deficit of £24,000. That said the RSPBA remains in a healthy financial position with cash in hand of £314,000 compared with £361,000 last year. If they take a hit on the majors then so be it. The Association exists to promote them. It poses the question however. With all that money in the kitty, why couldn’t they stage a fifth major this year?
Jackie Allan, Marketing and Media is working hard to boost funds and increase transparency and communication with the membership and wider pipe band public. Her order paper report states: ‘Recognising that the current website has severe limitations…there are now firm plans for a new website to be in operation by 2026. An updated website will facilitate online shopping and online donations as well as advertising.
‘A social media specialist has joined the MM team to increase social media traffic and put out positive stories. The volume of negativity generated by some members is both surprising and disappointing, so much hard work is required to counter this.
‘The challenge to write a tune to commemorate Glasgow‘s 850th birthday has been launched. There are plans for a centenary book of new tunes and an updated history of RSPBA to be published in 2030.’
A reduced attendance at the UK Championships in addition to the loss of the British Championships would mean that the 2025 pipe band season is unlikely to go down in history as a great year for pipe bands. With regards to the upcoming AGM, I sincerely hope that someone asks the question of the RSPBA executive team “was a return to Cowal considered as a replacement Championship for this year?” and if not, why not?
Absolutely agree!