Category: Letters

Interesting Photograph of the Australian Ladies

Posted on      by      4 Comments

I came across the above photograph in a book and thought it might be of interest to readers. It is of the Australian Ladies Pipe Band when they visited the Braemar Gathering in 1926 as part of their world tour. One of the purposes of the tour was to raise funds for ex-servicemen from WW1 and the Ladies were sponsored by Sir Harry Lauder and his wife who of course…

More Interesting Photograph of the Australian Ladies

British Championships: Readers Have Their Say

Posted on      by      3 Comments

The controversy surrounding the cancellation of the 2023 British Pipe Band Championship continues to draw comment from the pipe band public. Further concern was added yesterday with the revelation that the RSPBA did not approach Cowal Games to discuss a possible contingency for the championship. This may provoke further comment. For now here is what readers have to say regarding Allan Hamilton’s story on PP and also our report on…

More British Championships: Readers Have Their Say

Editor’s Notebook: British and Cowal/ Band Displays/ Tune Plea/ Alan Watters and Donald MacLeod

Posted on      by      5 Comments

Contrary to the impression given by RSPBA Chairman Kevin Reilly in last week’s story on the cancellation of the British Championships, the Association did not approach Cowal Gathering about the possible transfer of parts of the competition. Mr Reilly was referring to an approach to an events company in the town who mentioned the use of ‘Cowal Stadium’. Cowal Gathering Chairman Malcolm Barclay has since contacted the RSPBA to clarify…

More Editor’s Notebook: British and Cowal/ Band Displays/ Tune Plea/ Alan Watters and Donald MacLeod

British Championships: Get Back to Basics to Re-Engage With the Public and Promoters

Posted on      by      6 Comments

Shock has been expressed at the loss of the first pipe band championship of the season 2023. Apparently this is due to the current lack of funds at local authority level, these authorities understandably reluctant /unable to commit funding to a pipe band competition when measured against other essential spending. Parks for competition require preparation, safety barriers and signage. Staff costs for policing and clearing up afterwards are rocketing owing…

More British Championships: Get Back to Basics to Re-Engage With the Public and Promoters

RSPBA Chairman Talks to Piping Press Following Criticsm Over Championship Cancellation

Posted on      by      3 Comments

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…

More RSPBA Chairman Talks to Piping Press Following Criticsm Over Championship Cancellation