Piping Press has obtained a copy of a letter sent to all RSPBA exam assessors by the former Piping Principal of the Association’s Pipe Band College, Jim Campbell.
Jim is a highly respected pipe band adjudicator and a lifelong servant of the Association. For the avoidance of any confusion or spin we reprint his letter in full (below).
The background to it is the lengthy inquiry into the College commissioned by the Association and the subsequent statement this week from Chairman Bob Niven.
Mr Niven wrote: ‘The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association today announced a strategic ‘reset’ of its Pipe Band College, marking the beginning of a comprehensive restructuring process designed to strengthen and future-proof the College for generations to come.
‘This proactive initiative reflects the Association’s commitment to excellence in education, innovation in teaching, and long-term sustainability within the global pipe band community. The reset will allow for a full assessment of the College’s structure, curriculum, and delivery methods, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of students, instructors, and member bands worldwide.
‘The Association is committed to ensuring continuity where possible while laying the groundwork for a revitalised and sustainable College model.’
Mr Campbell’s letter reads as follows: ‘Dear Fellow Assessor, I write to advise you that I no longer hold the position of Piping Principal within the RSPBA Pipe Band College. I, and the other three Principals, were given notice recently (in writing) by the CEO (on behalf of the BoD [Board of Directors]) that our period of appointment has ‘expired’.
‘No prior discussion or consultations; simply a communication that suggested we could re-apply should we wish. Minutes of PBC appointing the principals to post that were ratified by BoD evidence no Principal is ‘expired’ – yet, BoD re-affirmed its position at a meeting on the 25th April 2026 followed by a second communication of intent to all principals.
‘Lately, you may have seen an article in Piping Press re a review of Pipe Band College. I feel I need to clarify its lack of credibility and integrity. The group, who conducted that review, did not see fit to communicate with any PBC Member. The article clearly states that the Principals and PBC should have been doing far more than what they delivered.
‘I address the outcomes by that ‘group’ (or the writer). I have no evidence as to who the article, ‘opinions’ of the editorial really belong to. But both are evident in the article. There is no intent here to refute every statement in the article – but I could. I highlight two:
‘Funding: The statement on funding applications ‘should be sourced by the Principals. The BoD employed an Education Officer to conduct that activity. It was part of the job role. BoD should be able to explain the success (or otherwise) the funding achieved. Thus, giving some clarity that would clarify the BoD’s significant financial investment in an EO. Resulting evidences of any funding achieved will then substantiate (or not) the article’s intent.
‘Teaching in Branches: That the Principals should be out there ensuring and delivering teaching in Branches:
‘The 2025 Budget:
- The BoD approved a PBC Operational Budget of £23k.
- BoD refused funding for the Outreach opportunity to teach at Branches – £45k.
- The vision was to support every Branch with an Instructor funded “Teaching Resource” over eight days during the winter. BoD chose not to support the investment in the development of Piping and Drumming skill-sets to our membership. This project (an annual event) was designed help re-build our numbers post covid.
‘The 2026 PBC Budget:
- Was “declined”.
- PBC were accused of mis-management and overspending in 2025.
- The 95th AGM Order Paper states in its accounts that the PBC Income was £23k and the Expenditure was £19k! representing a £4k profit!
- PBC submitted a final forecast reflecting detailed sound judgement achieving a significant underspend through prudent management.
- Quality Assurance of Budget v Forecast v Actual Costs was not possible due to lack of response by BoD/HQ to supply expenditure detail – despite multiple requests to HQ.
- Either the CEO’s allegation of overspend or, the Accounts submitted at the 95th AGM, are misrepresented.
- I needed to clarify the position in a climate where misleading statements keep ‘emerging’. I took over responsibilities in education in 2008 on a ‘temporary basis’ to help fill a gap due to illness of a fellow Music Boar Member. It turned out a little longer. I have no issues with that; indeed, the interaction with you all as Assessors, Instructors, Teachers at Schools etc have been a most amazing and positive experience. Thank you all. I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to Jim Wark and Tom Brown. These gentlemen have been my guidance, mentors, and anchor in every step of my education journey. Everything I wanted to put in place received their agreement, their calmness, their professional and compassionate support – also, when my enthusiasm overtook my sensibility, that I withdrew and reflected. All done with honesty, compassion, and respect – I am forever in your debt gentlemen.
‘I reach 74 in 2 months and whilst I had thought I would see a completion in a more comfortable environment it was not to be. What I do feel is relief that it is concluded. I did not expect that.
‘I sincerely hope my support to you all has been respectful and delivered with compassion. That same ethos has not been afforded to PBC Members by the RSPBA leadership for some time now.
‘I hope sensibility prevails soon in the RSPBA and we return to a member driven environment protected by the ethos of respect significant in our ‘charter’. But, sadly, not evident in the actions of those currently responsible for that ‘respect’ custodianship.
‘My best wishes to you all. I intend to remain available in my Assessor, Instructor and Adjudicator role until the questionable 75-year rule kicks in.
‘I send, through you all, my sincere apologies to all our fellow playing members that circumstances, out-with my control, see me unable to continue supporting them as Principal of Piping. However, I am always available to support the playing membership where I can. To you, the Assessors, thank you for putting up with me. I look forward to seeing you all at Piping and Drumming events. Your friendship and support, happily, commands a big place in my heart. Best wishes, health, and happiness to you all. Take care. Yours Aye in Friendship and Pipe Band Musicianship. Sincerely, Jim. 6th May 2026.’
