Torphichen P-M search intensifies

Opportunities to lead a ready-made Grade 1 band are rare, and the vacancy present at the Torphichen & Bathgate Pipe Band of Whitburn, Scotland, will provide a challenge to some aspiring pipe-major after Gordon Stafford resigned abruptly following the World Pipe Band Championships.

 

According to band chairman, Fergus Philip, there are already two applicants who will be interviewed this week for the job, and others are invited to inquire.

 

“We are a young and vibrant band, keen to succeed and progress, so if you are an experienced pipe-major or someone with a number of years experience with a top Grade 1 band looking to make the move to leadership, get in touch,” Philip said.

 

He added that the band has formed a panel that will interview applicants and that interested parties should contact him directly by e-mail.

Stafford resigned the position after learning that there was a move afoot within the band to remove him following the Cowal Championships. Stafford, who has a lengthy history of accomplishments in pipe bands, had resurrected Torphichen & Bathgate from the brink of disbandment, winning the Grade 2 Champion of Champions title in 2008 and securing promotion to Grade 1 in 2009. Torphichen & Bathgate did not field a band at Cowal.

 

The Torphichen news was closely followed by the ousting of David Barnes as Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band, and the subsequent appointment of veteran pipe band leader, Ian Duncan, to the top job.