Johnstone Pipe Band disbands elite Grade One outfit amid recruitment challenges

Editor’s Notebook: The Demise of G1 Pipe Bands/ SPA Juveniles/ Donald Cameron’s Powder Horn/ Keith Sanger

To lose two Grade 1 pipe bands in one week is dispiriting news. Closkelt and Johnstone have gone to the wall both victims of a lack of numbers. Will those in authority wake up? How long has this column, and significant cadre of our readers, been banging on about the need to restrict sizes in Grade One? Don’t the bigwigs at the RSPBA realise that if you allow unlimited numbers...More Editor’s Notebook: The Demise of G1 Pipe Bands/ SPA Juveniles/ …

Johnstone Pipe Band disbands elite Grade One outfit amid recruitment challenges

Johnstone Pipe Band’s Grade One group has formally dissolved following a meeting with members on Wednesday evening. Pipe Major Donald Mackay confirmed the decision had been reached after “much deliberation” and consultation within the organisation. Members were invited to the band hall in Johnstone, where Mr Mackay expressed his gratitude for their professionalism and years of commitment. He said the meeting offered a chance to reflect on their …