RSPBA Chairman Talks to Piping Press Following Criticsm Over Championship Cancellation

RSPBA Chairman Kevin Reilly has responded to criticism of the Association over the cancellation of this summer’s British Pipe Band Championship. Mr Reilly expressed his bitter disappointment at the unprecedented call off and re-itereated the Association’s determination to put things right for 2024. He said: ‘At the last meeting of the Board of Directors the difficulties surrounding the British were discussed fully. We realised the gravity of the situation and…

My Shock and Surprise at the Loss of a Pipe Band Championship This Summer

As regards the news that there will be no British Pipe Band Championship this year, I am a little surprised at the lack of comment from others so far. Maybe everyone is as shocked and stunned as I was at the RSPBA announcement.  I felt that their terse statement last week, with no detail about what avenues had been explored and no meaningful apology, was a disgrace to the many…

Readers React to British Pipe Band Championships Blow

As the RSPBA settles the distribution of British Championship graded contests to minor events, Piping Press readers have had their say on yesterday’s announcement that there would be no single-venue championship this summer. One reader, who signed himself ‘David’, responded to the Editor’s suggestion that Cowal should be involved in said re-distribution. He wrote: ‘Those of us who were around when the announcement was made that Cowal would no longer…

Editor’s Notebook: Skye Summer School/ Book Search/ London Notes/ SPA/ Fred Morrison

It is a pleasant thought these winter days that a few months from now we will be sharing tunes on the isle of Skye. The occasion will be the second Piobaireachd Society Summer School from June 4 to 9th. It’s on Sleat, the Garden of Skye, at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College, and last year attracted a small but dedicated band of ceòl mòr enthusiasts to whom Jack Taylor…

The BBC Are Right to Change the Piping Programme Say Most Readers

BBC Radio Scotland’s pledge to continue with their piping programme and outside broadcasts such as the World Pipe Band Championships has been welcomed by Piping Press readers. However, most agreed with our correspondent Duncan Watson that the current ‘Pipeline’ show had lost its way and needed to ‘get back to basics’. James Fraser: ‘Thank you for your work in getting a resolution to this matter. I agree with all the…