Readers Continue to Show Concerns over Worlds Grade 2 Heats and Numbers in Grade 1

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…

Readers React to Worlds Entries With Concerns over Grade 1 Numbers and Grade 2

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….

Reaction to Report on British Pipe Band Championships/ Victorian Pipers Results

Alistair Aitken’s report yesterday prompted this response form a reader who has asked to remain anonymous: Who has got it wrong this time? What was the large seated main stand in between G1 and G2 arenas for? I was at Ingliston this year and all that you could hear from the stand was a mixture of G1 and G2 playing and a mixture of the next G1 and G2 bands…

RSPBA Hit Back Over Pipe Band College Claims

The RSPBA has responded to comments made by former Pipe Band College Piping Principal, Mr Jim Campbell. Mr Campbell’s comments followed the announcement earlier this month by Association Chairman Bob Niven of a ‘strategic reset’ of the College with new leaders and more focus on teaching. Read it here. In a long statement reported fully on Piping Press, Mr Campbell claimed that he and the other three College Principals, were…

P/M Andy Venters

The death has been announced of P/M Andy Venters, Queen’s Own Highlanders. Andy was 90. Andy was a noted teacher of cadets and in schools and Pipe Major of the regiment and its ex-members association band. He was also a noted composer with several fine tunes to his name. Funeral details to follow.