Correspondent Ian Forbes has commented on yesterday’s disappointing news regarding the 2026 Major Championships.
Ian writes: ‘If it is confirmed that, in a sad repeat of this year, there will only be four Majors for 2026, then it will represent a substantial failure by the RSPBA and its Board of Directors.
‘Alternative options and models for financing the Majors have been highlighted previously on Piping Press.
‘These included self-funding by the RSPBA, corporate sponsorship and branding of a Major, a return to Cowal, and many other possibilities.
‘Have all these scenarios been explored? Have the RSPBA approached the Cowal Organising Committee?
‘Part of the written constitution of the RSPBA is to organise five Majors each year, and a failure to achieve this will mark a sad day for the pipe band world.’
The 2026 Championship venues and dates are:
• British – 30th May, Ingliston
• European – 27th June, Perth
• Scottish – 25th July, Dumbarton
• Worlds – 14th/15th August, Glasgow Green
Other news from the recent Board of Directors meeting:
Adjudicators Panel: The use of seating in the main stand at the Worlds for to training was seen as a success and the Panel would like this to be made available in the future. The Panel are considering placing all judge’s tents in a line within a competition arena, the better to allow conferring. The Panel convenor Robert Matheson said he would like to attend Marketing & Media meetings to look at how to engage with social media.
Band Numbers: The easement rule which allowed bands to compete with less than the regulation establishment figures – brought in post Covid – has ended. Minimum requirements for bands are now as follows:
Grade 1 – 8 Pipers, 3 Snares, 1 Bass
Grades 2, 3, Juv., 4 & Novice – 6 Pipers, 2 Snares, 1 Bass
Grade 2: The Board discussed a suggested amendment to the Grade 2 playing requirements on the Friday of the Worlds. It was thought that with many bands well underway with their competition tunes for 2026, any changes would need to be put back until 2027. The point was made that the existing format of two heats and a 12-band final could be accommodated on the same day.
Fund Raising: The Board confirmed the departure, after only six months, of fund raiser Chris Ross. The current economic climate made it very difficult to raise cash and there had been ‘limited traction’ since Mr Ross took up his post, they said. They thanked Mr Ross for his efforts.
Marketing & Media: The committee is investigating the feasibility of arena advertising for the 2026 Major Championships. M&M will reach out to potential customers once plans have been developed in early 2026.
Members of M&M have seen a presentation on the new RSPBA website. It has ‘vastly improved’ features and a clean, easy to navigate layout. Bands will be able to pay their fees via the website and it will be able to host advertisements. The new site is expected to go live this month.
Social Media: Facebook analytics demonstrated a 21.5% increase in traffic this year compared to 2024. There are 11.5k followers on Fb; the Worlds generated 400k views. The intent is to develop Instagram usage in 2026.
Merchandise: A shop has been open on the website since July. M&M are looking at expanding the merchandise available possibly through a third party supplier.
