New venue a hit with Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships

More than 500 spectators had the bonus of a magnificent Tweeddale backdrop as they were entertained by bands from as far away as Northumberland in the grounds of St Ronan’s School.

Organisers are unlikely to regard 13 as an unlucky number for them as the 13th renewal of the event on the 13th day of the month went off so smoothly. They have promised to stick with the new location - and a date in September - in future years.

Bruce Hamilton, the president of the St Ronan’s Piping Society, admitted it had been a challenge to rearrange the timing and venue.

A new date had been necessary after the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association scheduled a major event for June 14, when the championships were originally to be held.

And a different location had to be found for the new date as the usual venue, Victoria Park, was required for football.

“Through no fault of our own, we had to change the date of the event and location,” said Mr Hamilton, “But it’s worked out well. We have laid on a great treat for the crowds with 10 drum majors, 16 bands and around 30 performances. The number of spectators are well up and we will definitely be coming back here in September next year.” Later in the afternoon Mr Hamilton enjoyed a break from his duties to take his place in the Tweedvale Band when they competed in the grade three and grade two contests.

“We won the grade four contest when we first started but we’ve had a shortage of drummers so haven’t been involved for four or five years,” he said.

“The Peebles band contest last week helped us prepare for this weekend we hope to get up to speed and have another good go at it next year.” After finishing third in both contests Tweedvale’s pipe major Bruce Gillie said: “The band were nervous and it’s always harder on home turf. We did our best and put on a good show but we would have done very well to win.” Bruce’s parents Ian and Jean were appointed the joint Chieftains and were piped down to the school grounds before the championships got underway at 11.15.

The busy programme included contests to find the best bands in novice juvenile, grade four, grade three and grade two and a senior and junior drum major contest.

As a mark of respect to long-serving committee member Johnstone Cox, who died earlier this year, the Johnstone Cox Memorial Quaich was presented to the best drum corps in the grade 4 march, strathspey and reel competition. The massed pipe bands saluted the chieftains before a spectacular array of trophies was handed out.

Ian Gillie said: “We’ve been blessed by the weather for a change. As far as I can remember we’ve only had one dry day at this event before and it’s always been held in June!

“The change of date and the change of venue have worked perfectly. It’s been a memorable day for us and we’ve especially enjoyed watching all the children playing.

“We’ve had a memorable day of piping and drumming under bright, blue skies. Everyone who took part really put their heart into their performances and it showed with the quality of the music. We will remember this day for as long as we live.” Mr Hamilton said: “Contests such as ours are the very grass roots of competitive piping. It was extremely gratifying to see so many young people taking part and loving the experience. They are the future of our musical art and should be encouraged at every opportunity.

“We are grateful to the St Ronan’s headteacher Keith Belleville and his staff - the accommodation was excellent - and our chieftains for all the help they have given us. They have done a lot of work behind the scenes to help in the running of this event.

“One of our biggest concerns about coming to St Ronan’s was the car parking - it does seem to have worked well, though there were a few complaints about having to pay for it.

“I think that is unreasonable as most events such as this charge for parking. I am not sure that people understand how much it costs to stage something like this.” Planning has already begun for next year’s event which is pencilled in for September 15. Mr Hamilton, who works as a civil engineer with the Forestry Commission, said: “It’s a year round job organising this when you take into account all the bureaucracy and paperwork that is involved.

“But everything is made easier because of the great team we have on board, the support we get from local businesses and organisations and the local community, where would we be without them!” If any reader would like to help with next year’s Championships, please contact Allan Johnston, secretary, St Ronan’s Piping Society by email: allanjohnston@btinternet.com