Editor’s Notebook: Pipe Band Championships/ AKQ Draw Update/ Tune Search/ Northern Meeting/ Metro Cup

‘Missing Majors’ no more. My information is that we will have a full complement of pipe band championships for the 2024 season. Final contract details will be concluded next week. Already confirmed are the Worlds, Glasgow Green, August 16/17, Scottish, Dumbarton, July 27, Europeans, Perth, August 11. I can’t say more about the British or the UKs, but the ink is almost dry. They will be in May and June….

The Dying Art of Piping Reports – Some Reader Reaction

Response to last week’s comments on the dearth of competition reports in the piping world….. In regards to the suggestion that competition reports are a dying art, it is actually true, writes Duncan Watson. I have expressed this to a few piping associates from whom I obtained similar responses. It should be a pre-requisite, particularly for judges in the highest rank of Senior Judge. They should be required to occasionally…

RSPBA Chairman Confirms Major Championships

As reported in Piping Press two days ago, the RSPBA have announced significant progress in securing the ‘missing’ three major pipe band championships for the 2024 season. In a letter headlined ‘Update on 2024 Major Championships‘ and sent to bands last night, Chairman Kevin Reilly writes: ‘Dear Bands, Over the last 12 months we have reached out to over 100 contacts that included councils, private entities and individuals with regards…

RSPBA Chief Executive Standing Down But Good News Coming on Majors/ John Hughes Funeral

Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA, has tendered his resignation after only four years. However, Mr Mulhern has agreed to stay on in his job until a replacement can be found. The news is a blow to the Association coming as it does on top of the sudden death of Vice Chairman John Hughes only two weeks ago*. By the Editor But the good news for the bands, and…

Lochaber Piping Society/ Scots Guards KO/ Piobaireachd Society Conference

Lochaber Piping Society held its AGM recently, writes Ken Cameron, Chairman. We retain the talented team of volunteers who have successfully organised our programme over the past few years, including our Junior Piping and Drumming Competition held in late March, and the Lochaber Gathering held in late August. In addition, we have held popular recitals. Considering that the core at the heart of the Society consists of so few, the…