Boghall & Bathgate discontinues Grade 2 band

The Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band organization will discontinue its successful Grade 2 band in order to concentrate its efforts on and personnel in the marquee Grade 1 and Juvenile groups.

“After a couple of key resignations from the Grade 2 pipe corps we have decided to wind up Boghall’s Grade 2 band, where possible absorbing players into the Grade 1 band,” said Ross Walker, Pipe-Major of Boghall’s Grade 1 band. “Since the Grade 2 band has recently experienced a few lean years in terms of personnel and results, we have decided to take this opportunity to refocus our efforts on the next batch of Boghall Juveniles coming through our teaching classes – presently numbering around fifty kids.”

Walker added that the gradual stretching of the personnel over the last few years has made this decision more likely and hopes this move will maintain the organization as a force in Grade 1 for at least the next decade.

In the 1990s, the Boghall Grade 2 band was so successful that it came close to being elevated to Grade 1 by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Boghall & Bathgate’s Juvenile and Novice Juvenile bands have each attained a first prize at past World Pipe Band Championships.

The Grade 1 band has won numerous major championships, but has not yet won a World title.

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