RSPBA Confirm New Venue for European Pipe Band Championships

The RSPBA have confirmed the successful conclusion of contract negotiations with Aberdeen City Council and their entertainments body to take the Euro Pipe Band Championships to the granite city next June 24th. It is understood the arrangement is initially for one year only but the local authority are open to agreements for future years depending on the success of 2023. It is a major coup for the Association given that…

Editor’s Notebook: Iain Murdo/ SPA Entry/ SPA Vets/ Glasgow Transport Band

A little more on Iain Morrison may be apposite following yesterday’s piece by Alastair McInnes. Iain was the finest light music player I ever heard and I know I am not alone in that. The lift he gave to his tunes set him apart from others playing in the ’70s and ’80s and I include such great names as P/M Angus MacDonald, John MacDougall, John Burgess et al. He certainly…

Pipers Gather to Share Memories of Iain Murdo Morrison’s Visit to Australia

A dedicated group attended Castle Dangerous (Murdo MacLeod’s manor) in Maclean, New South Wales, last week to acknowledge the passing of Pipe Major Iain Murdo Morrison two years ago, the virus having torpedoed last year’s initial anniversary.  In 1987 the local Scottish Society opened the purse strings and ‘brought out’ an unforgettable touring party: Iain, singer Kathleen MacDonald and accordionist the late Tommy Darky who died in 2021. All were…

Entries Open for SPA Juvenile and Professional Contests/ New Contest for Ireland

The Scottish Pipers’ Association committee meeting last week decided to go live with the online entry for both our SPA Professional (22nd April) and Juvenile competitions (18th March), writes President Logan Tannock. Entries for the professional competition will be limited to 25 per grade on a first come first served basis. Entries £10 per event. SPA memberships (£20) required. The professional contests in all grades will be in the Piping…

RSPBA: 2023 Calendar Published as Directors Discuss New Season/ Medley Development/ Static Start/ Juvenile Bands/ WSD/ Exams

The following items have been taken from the published minutes of the last RSPBA Board of Directors meeting. The minutes are light on specific detail but bands will be interested in some of the comments and outcomes. 2023 contests calendar has been published with ‘tbc’ used where details are not definite. Check it out here. Dates: British – May 20, UKs – Lurgan June 10, Euros – June 24, Scottish…