This has been a difficult year for the RSPBA with four major championships only (and one poorly attended). However the Worlds in August at Glasgow Green were viewed by everyone as an outstanding success with a number of notable innovations streamlining the Championship and finding favour with all but the most churlish. We interviewed Association Chairman Bob Niven and discussed some the changes with him and whether they would become permanent features…..
Firstly Bob, can you say something on the passing of President David MacDowall?
It was an absolute tragedy for his family, the RSPBA, its bands and officials. He was a one-off and got on so well with everyone. He had charisma and mingled with the crowds and they always enjoyed his company. Sadly missed and a hard man to replace.
Turning to the Worlds, what did you think of the change to the Friday?
I felt the decision to hold the Juvenile and Novice events on the Friday was a success. From the feedback I am getting the Juveniles were pleased to be able to perform in Arena 1. It really was exceptional and of course the weather was favourable. We maybe did have to compress Grade 1 into an early start, but I think they are used to things like that so I do believe that the juvenile grades were honoured by our decision.
We said we’d give them something better and we have. There are little tweaks to be done – nothing’s perfect – but we have a long time to discuss things before next year, and I do hope Glasgow Life will carry on with the two days in 2026 and beyond. There’s to be more discussions with headquarters about that but yes, to me, it was a success and I want to see it happen again.
Are you surprised at the numbers coming on the Friday?
It was phenomenal. They came in early and supported the Grade 1 bands as well. The support given by families and the pipe band public was very heartening. I was really pleased to see that.
One concern was access on the Saturday for Juvenile and Novice band members.
If they wear their uniform they get in. This has been a difficult thing for Glasgow Life to balance – issuing tickets for people to get in on the day they are not performing. Obviously they’ve got books to balance and need to make enough to keep this two-day event afloat. This is very important, so everything depends on our promoters helping out with the youngster’s access.
What about the innovation that Grade 2 play twice?
This is something new from the Music Board. We will be getting feedback on it from the Grade 2 bands to see if they like it or not. I think it is a fresh challenge. We are trying to make things more appealing to everyone, the bands, the crowds included. Let’s hope everyone enjoyed it, but feedback will determine whether it carries on. It is a bigger test. Grade 1 are being asked to do four runs so maybe it is right that the G2 do two. I can’t see negatives to it, and hopefully the bands will take it on board.
What about the new Massed Bands/ March Past arrangements?
The previous set up made for a long day for all, including the Chieftain standing there taking the salute. Add to that the presentation time and it all becomes a bit of an ordeal. This year the Friday massed walk in worked very well. The difference was significant, everyone coming over the hill, down to the line, with the prize giving taken from there. A great time saver.
I think some of our bands from abroad do like to be recognised at a March Past. That has now gone, but I hope that everyone getting off the park much earlier will compensate for any disappointment. Our promoter, Glasgow Life, were getting worried the closing ceremonies were getting later and later. Licences were having to be extended. There were a lot of negatives round the old system and we are trying to get rid of them and move forward. It is a long enough day as it is and people are a bit weary, let’s just say, by the end of it.
Hats off to the officials actually, the stewards and the people who have to set Glasgow Green up. They are there from first thing and they are there at the end, last to leave, taking everything down and packing it away and taking it back to Headquarters in Washington Street. There are a lot of forgotten volunteers. They do it for the love of the pipe band movement and I’d like to salute them.
The Bagpiper’s Handbook…a must have for all pipers
Saturday Bands ….. March Past …..the old way….
Has anyone ever worked out how long in time the March Past should take , if following a controlled time schedule…….
Lets say a band 10 m long, 20 m between bands, 750 mm per step, so 40 steps for a band to pass. At a leisurely pace of 80 steps / minute that means 0.5 minutes per band
In 2025 approx. 160 bands so that means 80 minutes or if bands march 2 abreast then only 40 minutes.
So delay is not due to time to march the bands in , it is the delays caused by the uncontrolled starting of the march past and random gathering up of the bands.
Is the new way any quicker ..??
They were warned in good time about the possibility of having a poorly attended major championship and chose to ignore all the warnings.
That suggests an organisation that is still afflicted with far too many people who are “tin eared”. Not exactly encouraging.
The passing of Mr McDowall was a very sad day for the organisation.
In a short time he seemed to impress so many of the ordinary pipe band folk with his passion and enthusiasm. May he rest in peace
Not hard to guess which Major was poorly attended. Consultation with member bands of the association would probably avoided this scenario. You live and learn (unfortunately some don’t).
The contest as a whole was great; what wasn’t great was not being able to bring in water/ juice in sticky warm weather, water stations with warm water straight from the ground, over priced water and juice in the park, very expensive food.