RSPBA grading meeting put back one week

October 15, 2006

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association’s National Council has delayed by one week its meeting to finalize grading recommendations made by the association’s Music Board. According to sources, the meeting is scheduled for October 21.

The RSPBA Music Board’s grading committee met on September 23 and passed along its proposals to the National Council for ratification. The latter meeting is generally considered to be a formality.



Among bands widely thought to be recommended for upgrading is the Tayside Police Pipe Band, which won the Champion of Champions award in Grade 2. According to a source close to the band, the Torphichen & Bathgate Pipe Band is not being recommended for promotion to Grade 1.

The Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band, which finished at or near the bottom of the results at every 2006 RSPBA championship, will reportedly avoid relegation after the appointment of David Barnes as Pipe-Major in September. Barnes has reportedly brought with him several members of the Grade 2 Polkemmet Pipe Band, which he led for several years before moving to the Lothian & Borders Police.

“Seven weeks since the last Major, and bands still don’t know what grade they’re in,” said a member of an RSPBA band speaking on condition of anonymity.

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