The 2017 season: questions, questions . . .

Question 12: What’s the score with the drummers?

This off-season was littered with lead-drummer changes. The sudden dismissal of Eric Ward from the Glasgow Police, who then moved to Bleary & District when their L-D stepped down, followed shortly by Vale of Atholl filling their post, made vacant by the departure of Lee Lawson (who joined Dowco Triumph Street), with former Cullybackey L-D Adrian Hoy, and then Glasgow Police appointed David Henderson to head up their section. It was a virtual percussion merry-go-round, and now we’ll see which if any of these moves pays dividends in the short-term.

+ Glasgow Police searching for L-D as Ward departs

+ Ward takes his talents to Bleary

+ Three days later, Vale appoints Hoy L-D

+ Glasgow Police to start rebuilding with Henderson

Question 13: Is Grade 2 for the taking?

With three bands moved into Grade 1, the RSPBA’s Grade 2 scene seems to be open season. Will Glasgow Skye rise to the forefront, or will it be MacKenzie Caledonian? What about Lomond & Clyde? Manorcunningham? Or perhaps one or two upstarts that quietly strengthened over the winter will surprise. It might also be a chance for an “overseas” Grade 2 band to make a strong statement at Glasgow Green. Either way, Grade 2 in the UK will be pretty much a whole new look.

Hang on to your glens, folks, 2017 is going to be another wild ride.