After less than two years in the role, Gavin Walker has resigned as Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 House of Edgar Pipe Band. The decision was made by Walker following a special band meeting on July 15th, following the alleged threat of RSPBA sanction against the band over comments allegedly made on a social media platform following the British Pipe Band Championships.
The band received an official complaint on July 12, 2012, and a band meeting was called to address the situation.
“At this meeting as Pipe-Major, I expressed my views to those present and I made it clear that I did not wish the band as a whole to receive any sanctions as a result of the complaint,” Walker said in a statement to pipes|drums. “Also during the course of this meeting, the band was presented with a further proposal, on behalf of two key members of the band, as to their intended course of action. I could not agree to this course of action, as I believe it was not in the best interests of the band in the short- or long-term.”
The issue allegedly stemmed from comments originally posted on Facebook regarding the drumming results.
Details of the proposal presented at the band meeting were not made clear.
“It is . . . with great regret and with much sadness, that I am resigning as Pipe-Major and as a member of the House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band,” Gavin Walker concluded. “I would like to thank the whole band for the support that they have given me since I came to the band in 2010 and my time as pipe-major. It has been a great honour to play in and hold the position as Pipe Major of such a prestigious and famous band. I wish the band every success in the future.”
Walker was appointed pipe-major of the band after the sudden resignation of long-time Pipe-Major Robert Mathieson, who left the post in almost exactly two years ago, giving way to his Pipe-Sergeant, Walker. Mathieson subsequently joined the Grade 1 Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, where he remains a member.
Under Walker Shotts & Dykehead has not produced a consistent winning form as a band. Its drum section has maintained Championship-winning status, gaining the 2011 Champion of Champions title for drumming in Grade 1, among other awards.
Gavin Walker's brother, Neil, had been Pipe-Sergeant, and reportedly has also resigned from the band. It is not known who, if anyone, has been appointed pipe-major.
Stay tuned to pipes|drums for more on this story as it develops.
Page of 1
p|d
What do you think? Make a comment! If you have news and information please share with pipes|drums. After all, we can't report what we don't know about.
pipes|drums is an independent nonprofit magazine. Proceeds from subscriptions and advertising are used for maintenance and development of the publication. If you enjoy pipes|drums, we hope that you subscribe, and we also accept donations of any amount.
After less than two years in the role, Gavin Walker has resigned as Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 House of Edgar Pipe Band. The decision was made by Walker following a special band meeting on July 15th, following the alleged threat of RSPBA sanction against the band over comments allegedly made on a social media platform following the British Pipe Band Championships.
