The RSPBA has confirmed the cancellation of four more pipe band contests in response to the current Coronavirus outbreak (CoVid-19):
- July 4 – Annan
- August 8 – North Berwick
- August 22 – Rothesay
The cancellation of Rothesay (Bute Highland Games) and North Berwick will be of particular concern to others as these bring the disruption into the busy month of August, a time when hopes were that the worst of the chaos caused by the virus would be declining.
August is, of course, when other important events in the piping calendar take place, such as the Worlds, Oban, Inverness, etc.
The National Piping Centre (NPC) has advised that with the latest restrictions on movement The Bagpipe Shop has now closed its online presence as well as its two walk-in shops for the time being.
As staff members are required to be physically on the premises in order to facilitate the fulfilment of orders, meet post and more, the organisation felt this was an unnecessary risk to its team.
A statement from the NPC said: “If you have placed an order since 12noon on Monday 23rd March, you will be contacted directly by a shop member to discuss options for your goods. If you were waiting for an order, where a product was still to reach The National Piping Centre, please contact us directly and we can discuss further options with you.
“The National Piping Centre is disappointed to have to close its online shop at this time, but feels that for staff and public safety this is the right course of action for these times.
“We hope to welcome you back as soon as we reopen.”
