Ian Forbes: The RSPBA deserves full credit and congratulations for the increased number of bands scheduled to attend this year’s Worlds, as well as the welcomed expansion of events on the Friday.
Most grades have greater band numbers participating compared to 2025, and there are many more reasons for pipe band enthusiasts and supporters to venture out to Glasgow Green on the Friday – previously characterised by very low attendance.
However, the stagnant numbers of competing Grade 1 bands is worthy of comment (again). There are only 13 bands scheduled for Grade 1 (down from 14 last year), of which a mere six are based in Scotland (less than 50%).
Without revisiting the rationale for a cap on the numbers of pipers and drummers in these elite top bands, the RSPBA must introduce policies and/or strategies to stimulate increased numbers of bands in Grade 1 – the premier grade to which all competing pipers and drummers aspire.
In part, this should be being more pro-active in promoting bands from Grade 2 to Grade 1 when they have attained the appropriate standard, and include the creation of an environment which encourages existing top tier pipers and drummers to form new or resurrect ‘old’ Grade 1 level bands.
- Friday G1 rounds are 9am (MSR) and 11.15am (Medley). The draw for both is: Power, Boghall, Ravara, Fife Pol., St Thomas (US), SFU, Shotts, FM, Federation, Hawthorn (Aust.), Inveraray, 78th Frasers (Canada), SLOT. Saturday rounds are at 11.25am and 2.35pm. Playing order for both: SFU, 78th, St Thomas, Power, Feds., Shotts, Ravara, SLOT, Hawthorn, Fife Pol., Boghall, Inveraray, FM.
Bob Smith: The RSPBA may have a confirmed entry of 211 for the Worlds, but don’t forget that 13 Grade 2 bands, those that don’t make it through to the final, will be the only adult bands excluded from the Saturday of the Worlds.
It is a demoralising situation and the RSPBA should be ashamed of themselves. You can practice for 10+ months, attending twice weekly band practices. Compete at nine or ten major/minor competitions throughout the year only to potentially lose out on celebrating your hard work and dedication with family members and friends on the Saturday.
We should remember Grade 2 is the second tier in a six-tier adult grading system and several bands from the grade will not be there on the main day of the Championship.
The RSPBA have kept very good G2 bands out of a small Grade 1 field, and it will be interesting to see how the large number of international bands competing in Grade 2 fare. Surely the RSPBA doesn’t want to discourage them journeying over to Glasgow Green?
It’s not too late to change the format to a two round MSR qualifier on the Saturday with a Medley final. One last point: attendance on the Friday will not be bolstered by G2 bands competing from 10am to 12pm.
- Heats in Grade 2 run concurrently starting at 10am on the Friday. Order of play in Heat 1: Denny, Texo, Bucksburn, Annan, Tullylagan, Celtic (NZ), Edinburgh, PB Club (Aust.), Ulster Scots (USA), Manorcunningham, St Joseph’s, Dunedin (USA). Heat 2: N Stratton (Canada), Cap Caval (France), LA Scots, Cascadia (US), Oban, Coalburn, MacKenzie Cal., Grampian Pol., Uddingston, Johnstone, MacMillan (US), Peel Pol. (Canada), Buchan Peterson. The Grade 2 final is over two legs on the Saturday, the MSR at 10am and the Medley at 2pm.
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