The coronavirus continues to wreak havoc throughout the piping calendar with the news that this year’s European Pipe Band Championships has been cancelled. Also cancelled is the Atholl Gathering, the first major solo piping competition of the games season.
The Europeans was due to take place at Bught Park, Inverness on June 27. The Atholl Gathering was due to take place on May 24.
Europeans promoter, LCC Live Events Services Ltd, said today in a statement: “Our decision is based on the latest guidance from the Scottish Government, as well advice taken from our key partners. All tickets purchased for the event will be refunded via the ticket agency from which they were purchased.
“Whilst we know that those competitors, their friends, family and those visitors due to travel from all over the world to Inverness for this prestigious event, will be disappointed, their health and wellbeing is of paramount importance.
“Please stay safe and we look forward to hosting Piping Inverness in June 2021 and 2022.”
A spokesman for the RSPBA said: “In response to the current Coronavirus outbreak (CoVid-19), and after careful consideration and discussions with LCC Live Events Services Ltd, we have made the decision to cancel the 2020 European Pipe Band Championships in Inverness.
“Our decision is based on the latest guidance from the Scottish Government, as well advice taken from our key partners.”
The Europeans has been cancelled and not postponed. It will not be rescheduled this year.
Also cancelled today were Luss Highland Games, Kintyre Piping Society’s annual junior competition and the National Piping Centre’s summer school in Virginia, USA