Ian Forbes: If the RSPBA had promoted the top two or three Grade Two bands from last year’s Worlds, (e.g. Glasgow Skye, North Stratton, Dunedin – I forget the exact order), bands which many thought were already playing to a Grade 1 standard, this would have been the outcome:
a) there would be no need for Grade 2 qualifiers this year, and b) Grade 1 numbers would have swelled to 15 or 16.
Elaine Brinklow: Seven bands should go through in the Grade 2 heat that has 13 bands competing and six bands from the heat with 12 bands. That would be fairer. [See draws for both heats below.]
Jim Smith: I have to respectfully disagree with Bob Smith. [Read earlier comments here.] I remember similar arguments made last year with Novice and Juvenile grades being moved to the Friday, ‘Oh, the kids won’t be there on the Saturday to see the top bands…’
The point is however, the Saturday should no longer be seen as the ‘main day’ of the championship. I would imagine Grade 1 bands treat both days with equal value!
In golf, the championship is Thursday-Sunday and if you don’t make the cut, you don’t play the weekend. For me, it is no different for bands at the Worlds.
We either want a two-day Championship or we don’t. That’s what we have right now and each day should be seen as equally important.
Everyone bemoaned the lack of atmosphere on the Friday in the past. So if the numbers merit it in Grade 2, why not give the heats a try? The economics of it all demands this really.
Colin Jamieson: A possible solution to the problem identified by Bob Smith. Why not hold a Grade 2 play-off for those who don’t qualify on the Friday?
That way bands who’ve gone to all the expense and effort to come from overseas can still participate on the main day in some sort of second tier competition, and without all the pressure of being in the final!
Read earlier comments here.
- The World Pipe Band Championships 2026 are on August 14/15 at Glasgow Green. 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.
A superb digital book of pipe music….
Click on pic to order…..
