Author: Alistair Aitken

History: Pipe Bands in the East of Scotland Over the Years

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Having been a member of three East of Scotland pipe bands and involved with various others over more than 50 years I have built up some knowledge of many of them.  It would take a great deal of research to compile a detailed history, much of which might be difficult to find, so this article is more general. I apologise from the outset for anything, or any band or any…

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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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