From our reports this week it is clear World Pipe Band Championships took up a large part of the discussion at the recent RSPBA Board of Directors meeting. But supporters and members of the public are angry that a number of issues that affect them don’t seem to have been given any airing. If they were, then they certainly were not minuted. Mr J Nicholson spoke for many who contacted us. The Association and promoters Glasgow Life would do well to pay heed to his words………
What a shame that exorbitant pricing for the seating at the Grade 1 arena, applied to the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green on Saturday the 16th August, and the unacceptable provision for those general spectators, 20+ deep and stuck behind the judges’ poorly placed tents, wasn’t a discussion point.
I spent £297 buying tickets for the Grade 1 Arena this year.
NO concession for my 84-year-old mother and 85-year-old father.
NO concession for over 60/65s.
NO family tickets available.
NO children tickets.
NO discount for competing band members.
Just a blanket £42 which included a booking fee, transactional fee and environmental levy charge – all three unnecessary and, yes, priced by Glasgow Life!
This is disgusting pricing and takes no account of the pressure this puts on individuals and families.
The alternative, is NOT to buy a seat in the Grade 1 arena, but a general ticket (which is not practical or possible for the elderly, disabled or families).
So, join the hundreds, or thousands, of other spectators who stand (apart from those at the front on camp chairs), unable to see because of the volume of people, the stupidly located judges’ tents and the BBC camera personnel.
The set up for spectators is simply inadequate and poorly thought out, if spectators are considered at all.
As the premium showcase pipe band competition in the world, with some of the best pipe bands in world, more thought and consideration should be given to pricing and set up for spectators.
In fact, spectators should be considered more in terms of both ticket prices and viewing.
I am incredibly disappointed and angry at the unjustifiable pricing and the decline of what used to be an excellent day out with Highland dancing, multiple stands and other activities. Quality goes down and prices keep going up.
No point in complaining to the RSPBA or Glasgow Life though as they just dismiss it or blame one another!
