Author: Alistair Aitken

A Look Back at the World Pipe Band Championship 2023

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As already reported on Piping Press, the World Pipe Band Championships took place at Glasgow Green on 18/19th August, a week later than normal due to Glasgow hosting the World Cycling Championships.  Unlike the extremely hot weather of last year the conditions were variable, cold and warm, and slightly windy at times.  Thankfully there were no lengthy periods of heavy rain as we have experienced in the past. This year,…

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A Personal Look at the Edinburgh Pipe Band Contest

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As already reported on Piping Press, the annual pipe band competition in Edinburgh, arranged by the Lothian and Borders Branch of the RSPBA, took place at the Newfield playing fields of Edinburgh Academy on Sunday 18 June, 2023.  By Alistair Aitken OBE The weather was very warm and ideal for playing, although a colder breeze was encountered later in the afternoon.  The venue was ideal for a pipe band competition…

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The 1948 World Pipe Band Championships – Part 2

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Continuing with my look at the 1948 World Pipe Band Chanpionships based on the old programe kindly sent to me by Don Bradford, I have some observations on the list of bands (see here): First prize in the Grade 1/Open contest was £50 plus the News of the World trophy. The high number of bands from mining communities at that time. Grade 4 comprised only ladies pipe bands. I had…

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Glasgow v Edinburgh and the World Pipe Band Championships – Part 1

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Following the recent article on Piping Press about the history of the World Pipe Band Championships (WPBC), well known Pipe Major and piper Don Bradford has kindly sent me a scanned copy of the official programme for the Worlds in 1948 which he had found alongside an old set of pipes he had acquired.  The programme, priced at one shilling (5p in present day currency), contained some interesting information which…

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History of the Worlds Part 2 – the Scottish Pipe Band Association and the ‘Royal’ Title

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The SPBA was formed in 1930 and ‘Royal’ status was subsequently conferred on the Association by HM The Queen in 1980.  The objectives of the Association from the outset, which still remain the same, were: The first competition to be run by the SPBA was at Forthbank Park, Stirling on 18 June 1932.  Fifteen Grade 2 bands competed: Scottish Motor Traction Co; Denny and Dunipace Ex-Service; Glasgow Caledonia; Lochgelly Public; Mar;…

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