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…

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…

A History of St Patrick’s, Donaghmore, Pipe Band – Conclusion

In 1972 the band were selected, along with the Robert Armstrong Memorial (Grade 1), Dromara (Grade 2), Howard Memorial (Grade 3), and Ballykeel Moneyrea (Grade 4), to represent Northern Ireland at the Intercontinental Gathering at the CNE in Toronto, Canada. They were placed ninth as a band and fourth in drumming. Along with the Armstrong Memorial, they were invited back again in August 1977 to compete once again at this…

Scottish Pipers’ Association Announce Online Juvenile Contest

We are delighted to once again have our annual Juvenile Competition, albeit in a new online format. This event allows for the current Covid 19 regulations in Scotland. This event is open for entries worldwide, although you must be a member of the Scottish Pipers’ Association to enter.  By Logan Tannock We have 12 events, listed below. In order to enter, you must also add a membership for the Scottish…