PIPE BANDS

What would a Highland Games be without the Pipers?  At Bridge of Allan we have always considered ourselves lucky to host a high standard of competition with such a high number of Bands.  Year after year some of the finest Pipe Bands in the world grace our field at Bridge of Allan and we are told by members of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association that Bridge of Allan is one of the better favoured events in the calendar.

Coming as it does shortly before the World Pipe Band Championship, Bridge of Allan is an ideal opportunity for Bands to "fine tune" their performance in time for the big one.  That timing also helps greatly with visiting Bands from overseas who usually plan their trip to include several Highland Games before the Championship.  This year is no exception and we are delighted to welcome all bands who have traveled from near and far to play in our competitions.

The competition itself is a spectacle, of course, but nothing quite matches the march past of massed Pipe Bands at the need of today's events.   At around 5.30, dependant on other events, our Chieftain, will take the salute as the bands come into the arena and pass in front of the grandstand.   During this a number of "core" bands will be positioned in the middle of the field, taking it in turn to play.

Once all bands are assembled, they will play "Salute to the Chieftain".  It is this highlight which many past Chieftains have described as the most moving moment in a day which is filled with many emotions.

The bands are unaware of their placing until the results are read out at the end of the Games and the prizes presented by the Chieftain.

All competitive Band activities in Scotland are run under the auspices of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

Prizes and Awards

#Trophies  

Will be awarded for these events. Also - Marching & Disciplines, 1st & 2nd Best Band, Best Overseas Band

Prizes:             £130 - Best Overseas Band not on Prize List

                        £130 - Best Juvenile Band not on Prize List

                        £130 - Best Nov/Juvenile not on Prize List

Contest Information
1.    The Contest will be held under R.S.P.B.A. rules. There will be a Pre-Draw which will be made in the Games Field, Bridge of Allan on Monday 21 July *2008 @ 7.30pm.

      The pre-draw has been made to accommodate the increased requests from bands to suit travel and cost arrangements. In return, when the massed bands are assembled after the March Past (in which all bands must take part) we request that the tunes - Rowan Tree & Bonnie Galloway are played in unison. 

       Play commences at 11.00am.
2.    Drum Majors report at 1.30pm.
3.    Drum Majors entry fee £2
4.    Entry Fee:     GRADE 1 - £9.00; GRADE 2 - £8.00; GRADE 3 + Juv - £7.00; GRADE 4 + Nov.Juv - £6.00

       Overseas Bands should pay the Treasurer in Sterling, in the Field on the Day of the Games
       CHEQUES PAYABLE to: STRATHALLAN MEETING LIMITED
5.    GRADE 1 - Submit - 2 X March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR's)
       GRADE 2 - Submit - 1 X 4 to 6 minutes Medley Selection
       GRADE 3   Submit - 1 X March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR's)
       GRADE 4 & Nov.Juv. - Submit - 2¾ to 4½ minute selection in Quick March Rhythm.
6.    Subject to the number of band entries and time available the R.S.P.B.A. officials will decide:

            If bands can play up a grade (Bands are requested to provide maximum advance notice of their intention 'to play up')

            If late entries may be accepted, with the normal requirement to 'play first'

7.    Any band with a competing Drum Major may be asked to play for the Drum Major's contest.
8.    THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE PARKING SPACES FOR BAND BUSES ONLY, ALLOCATED BY THE POLICE ON A FIRST COME BASIS.
9.  ONLY BAND PLAYING MEMBERS IN PROPER ATTIRE, ARE ALLOWED FREE ENTRANCE TO THE GAMES FIELD.

       Please be aware, that we are kindly assisted by the Police in making this request.

Download Entry Form

Pipe Band Draw 2007