RSPBA Chief Executive Officer Colin Mulhern has confirmed that all five major pipe band championships are in place for 2027. This includes the Worlds at Glasgow Green.
And Mr Mulhern forcefully scotched all rumours circulating of a fallout between the Association and Worlds promoters Glasgow Life.
Mr Mulhern took time out from his busy day at the European Pipe Band Championships in Perth to talk to Piping Press about this and other matters. He also confirmed his decision to retire in March next year.
‘I can categorically deny that there is any friction between ourselves and Glasgow Life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our relationship with them has never been stronger.
‘We are working together to safeguard the World Championships at Glasgow Green. We have a fantastic relationship and we will continue to have that fantastic relationship for years to come until long after I have left the Association.
‘I’ve worked with them since I started at Washington Street and that will be five years in April. I have never had an issue with them. They have always been very supportive.
‘Nothing is too much for them to do for us. They are ecstatic to be able to work with us because the World Pipe Band Championships is one of their main calendar items and they love to see it on their agenda.
‘I’ve never had a problem with Glasgow Life and they’ve never had a problem with us. We have contractual arrangements with them through until 2028, or with a two year option, until 2030 – so for years to come.
‘There’s always going to be rumour in the pipe band world, however there is absolutely nothing behind what has been reported about our relationship with Glasgow Life.
‘Another example is the pricing for this year at the Green. We have had discussions with them about entry tickets, keeping it affordable for such a spectacular event. There is possibly a slight increase in the cost of the seating for Grade 1 only.
‘As regards the Championships as a whole [August 14/15] we have over 200 bands entered already and a mass of entries from drum majors. We will have a huge two-day spectacle for the Glasgow area and the rest of the country.
‘We are looking at bands coming from every corner of the globe. We had 204 last year and already have 202 this year so with July 1 the closing date for entries we may top that.
‘As regards my own decision to demit office I will say this. The bands are amazing; week after week they do a great job in keeping our traditions alive with passions running high every time they compete.
‘It has been a real pleasure working with them but I feel that I have now achieved my goals at the RSPBA. The bands have nothing to fear about the five majors going forward. They are in place for 2027 and I will leave knowing that.
‘I would like to thank everyone for my time at Headquarters, staff, officials, bands, volunteers, and of course the wider pipe band public.’
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