Nasty Letters and Dangerous Critics Even Though I Built the SPBA to Over 200 Bands

Part three of our intriguing insight into the thoughts of the Scottish Pipe Band Association’s Secretary Mr RC Whitelaw back in 1948 as he battled with Cowal, the Glasgow local authority and contrarian forces within the movement….. What was I expected to do after issuing the circular? Would I resign from the office of Association Secretary? A few critics hoped I would do so. Can anyone imagine me running away…

While You Are Waiting…A New Look at the Pandemic and Online Contests

Today we introduce a new, talented young writer to Piping Press, Dan Nevans. Writing in his own style, Dan has some reflections on the current pandemic situation and online contests. Piping Press is keen to encourage all young writers so if you have the talent and ambition please get in touch. I’m just as sick of hearing about this COVID-19 carry on as you are. In fact, I’m so scunnered with…

Glenfiddich Championship 2020 Results

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2020 is Stuart Liddell, Inveraray. He is pictured above with the trophy in this study by D Maxwell. Stuart was placed second in ceol mor and in MSR to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Jack Lee. The annual competition, this was the 47th, was held as usual in the Great Hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, but without an audience. The livestream was considered…

My Apology to Cowal and Disruptive Forces Within the SPBA

We continue with the strongly worded article from 1948 by SPBA Secretary Mr RC Whitelaw defending his actions following the Association’s schism with Cowal and his attempts at getting the World Championship moved to Glasgow…. The move was arranged by the issue of a circular letter to all the bands on 22nd June, 1948. Many of my very clever strategist critics completely lost their heads when they read that circular…

The Split with Cowal and the Fight to Bring the Worlds to Glasgow

The World Pipe Band Championships, earns millions for the local economy and brings considerable prestige to the city of Glasgow. Today they can’t get enough of the Worlds. But it wasn’t aways so. In this article from 1948, the SPBA’s then Secretary, Mr RC Whitelaw, explains the schism with Cowal Gathering, the search for a new home for the Association’s first official World Pipe Band Championship and the difficulties he…