A respected figure in the pipe band movement has commented on the Worlds and the current arrangements at Glasgow Green. His views follow yesterday’s from RSPBA Chairman Bob Niven but are not related.
Our correspondent asked us not to publish his name. He writes: ‘Did everyone enjoy the World Championships this year? I listened to the Grade 2 MSR in the morning and, with the exception of Glasgow Skye, who were excellent, it was dominated by overseas bands, particularly the North Americans. Looking at the summaries it was similar in the Medley but not quite to the same extent.
‘There was a decent audience at all other arenas as far as I could see, with a high standard being maintained by the bands.
‘More generally I feel the whole Worlds event has been ‘cheapened’ since the virus hiatus. The Grade 1 arena has smaller stands, there are now no small stands at the minor arenas, the hospitality area no longer exists, the over-officious security is unnecessary.
‘The entry costs for spectators are too high and they cannot even bring in a drink and a sandwich; the toilets are inadequate for the number of people. I imagine all this is down to Glasgow Life. Perhaps it is time to consider moving the event to another city or even overseas in, say, five years, thereby giving the bands time to raise funds. That said the RSPBA organisation was excellent as usual.’
I can’t agree the Worlds should move from the Green. It has become their spiritual home and is easy on logistics for travelling bands. However your other points are well made. Prices are too high, and the whole security set up is ridiculously over the top. The lack of a hospitality tent has seriously weakened the social aspect of the Worlds. Cost are obviously the main issue. The problem is that the RSPBA are in no position to call the shots with Glasgow Life.
What the Association needs is major sponsor and an agreement with the BBC that advertising hoardings could be positioned around the G1 arena. This happens at other outside broadcasts involving the corporation. With hundreds of thousands tuning in from around the world here would be a real source of revenue and a bargaining chip whereby all the above issues could be addressed.
RT Shepherd & Co.
Reader Andrew Fuller on the closure of RT Shepherd: ‘Sad news indeed. The chanters were highly regarded, particularly the Mk2 and the early Mk3s before they changed the plastic. With respect, and as John Cutler (above) has pointed out, Geoff Ross (Australia) was the first to develop synthetic drone reeds, with Colin Cairns (also of Australia) arguably the next to do so.
‘It is clear that the closure of RTS has left some customers and businesses disappointed, particularly those with long-standing relationships. While the details of unfulfilled orders are not publicly available, the situation does highlight broader issues of consumer protection and accountability when a company ceases trading. A rather unfortunate and ignominious note for a respected piping brand to finish on.’
I couldn’t agree more Andrew. Bob Shepherd didn’t deserve this and his good name should not be besmirched by the failures that occurred after his passing.
Piping Grants
Eilidh’s Trust have announced the following piping beneficiaries from their recent disbursement of £53,000 in grants: Alford Academy P&D, Katie Robertson, Tobermory High School PB, Dumfries PB, East Ayrshire PB Academy, Boroughmuir High School PB, Salerno Schools PB, Scouts Scotland PB, Mallaig and Ardnamurchan PB, Skye Youth PB, Borthwick P&D, Elgin PB, Buckie PB, Isle of Arran Music School, Garnock Valley P&D, Wishaw PB, Cumbernauld Community Piping, Innes Marr, Balquhidder Pipers.
Eilidh’s Trust was established in 2018 in memory of the talented 14-year-old musician Eilidh MacLeod from the Isle of Barra who died in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. To date the trust has issued over £150,000 in grants to youth music groups across Scotland.
PS Summer School
Registration is now open for the Piobaireachd Society’s annual summer school of ceòl mòr to be held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Gaelic College from May 31 to June 5, 2026. Registration fee is £100. Tuition is subsidised by the Society and places are restricted to members.
The school offers immersion in the music for five days with one-to-one and group lessons, evening piobaireachd ceilidhs, plus plenty of time to practice new pieces learned.
Twenty eight students have signed up already and places are limited. Read more about the school and enrol here.
Classic 2/4 Competition Marches (A -I) – ‘Play Along’ Lessons
Some of the all time greats of the 2/4 march repertoire are listed here. Each is played in full on the practice chanter by Robert Wallace. Firstly he goes through the tune very slowly at a practice tempo and then he plays it a little more quickly, closer to performance speed. If the tune you need is not listed email pipingpress@gmail.com.