The 2020 Scottish Pipe Band Championships was cancelled today by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA). The news will come as no surprise to the pipe band community.
The cancellation of the ‘Scottish’ – the fourth of the RSPBA five annual major pipe band championships – came one day after it was announced that both the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe were being cancelled. The cancellation, due to the Coronoavirus pandemic, leaves only the World Pipe Band Championships left – with most believing it’s only matter of time before it is also cancelled. The ‘Worlds’ is scheduled for August 14-15 at Glasgow Green, Scotland.
The RSPBA and Glasgow Life (the body that delivers cultural, sporting and learning activities on behalf of Glasgow City Council) have not, at the time of posting, commented on the fate of the 2020 Worlds.
The ‘Scottish’ had been scheduled for July 25 at Levengrove Park in Dumbarton, Scotland.
The RSPBA released the following statement: “In response to the current Coronavirus outbreak (CoVid-19), and after careful consideration and discussions with West Dunbartonshire Council we have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Scottish Pipe Band Championships in Dumbarton. Our decision is based on the latest guidance from the Scottish Government, as well as advice taken from our key partners.”