The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) announced that its members pipe bands can receive a 50% reduction on their membership fees for 2022.
Its Board of Directors said in astatement: “The loss of all our Major Championships for the past two years has had a serious impact on the financial position of the Association. However, we have managed to keep going thanks to those bands who paid their 2021 fees and by continuing to tightly manage our costs, which included the placing of our HQ staff on furlough.
“The Association has needed to meet the general overheads and running costs, as well as the balance of staff costs which fell outside the furlough scheme.
“… the Board have agreed to keep the Band Registration Fees the same as 2019 and 2020. However, bands who have paid their 2021 fee are to receive a 50% rebate on their 2022 fee, and if the Association finances allow, a further 50% rebate against their 2023 Fee when this becomes due.
“The fee due amount is set out below if paid before 30th November 2021.
“Where a band has paid their [sic] 2021 fee the 2022 fee due is:
- UK Juvenile Band £95.00 +VAT
- UK Adult Band £105.00 +VAT
- Non UK Juvenile Band £47.50
- Non UK Adult Band £52.50
“Where a band has not paid their [sic] 2021 Fee the 2022 Fee due is: –
- UK Juvenile Band £190.00 +VAT
- UK Adult Band £210.00 +VAT
- Non UK Juvenile Band £95.00
- Non UK Adult Band £105.00
“… We hope that you understand the need to support your Association through the payment of these Registration Fees in order that we can continue to function as an organisation as well as support and administer the membership of the bands and our volunteers as we prepare to run the five Major Championships in 2022 and beyond.”
This year’s Blàs Festival takes place next month in venues across Scotland’s highlands and islands.
Piping highlights include Catriona Garbutt, Dr. Angus Macdonald, James Duncan Mackenzie, Angus Mackenzie of Daimh Ross Ainslie and Brìghde Chaimbeul, pictured.
Blàs was created as a result of Highland Council’s desire to have a festival, in its area, which would match the vitality of Cape Breton’s Celtic Colours. This will be the 17th festival
The full programme of events can be found at www.blas.scot along with details of how to purchase tickets.