Dysart to return at 2nd annual Lomond & Clyde Invitational

Even though 2011 isn’t a big anniversary year for the Grade 2 Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band of Clydebank, Scotland, the band is again holding its invitational indoor pipe band competition after the success of the 2010 event, which marked the group’s tenth anniversary.

The 2011 contest, scheduled for March 19th again at the Venue Glasgow Radisson Hotel, has already confirmed entry from 10 Grade 1 bands, including Dysart & Dundonald. The contest will be the first event for Dysart after its reformation and return to competition after being dormant for two-years.

The 2010 event marked the debut in Grade 1 competition of the Inveraray & District Pipe Band after being upgraded following its unbeaten 2009 season in Grade 2.

The competition will also change structure and format. The qualifying heats will call for all bands to perform a medley, and, in the final, the top two bands from each heat will perform both a medley and an MSR.

The adjudication structure has also been tweaked. The final round will be assessed by an eight-judge panel, with both panels from the qualifying heats forming a panel of four piping, two ensemble and two drumming judges. The contest will be run under RSPBA competition rules, using the association’s accredited judges.

The first prize will once again be £2500, the largest prize offered in the UK for a pipe band competition. For perspective, the first prize for the winner of the World Pipe Band Championship is £1000.

Bands that have accepted their invitation:  

• Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia

• Cullybackey

• Dysart & Dundonald

• Fife Constabulary

• House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead

• Inveraray & District

• Robert Wiseman Dairies-Vale of Atholl

• ScottishPower

• Strathclyde Police

• Torphichen & Bathgate

The event, which sold out last year, is by ticket only. Tickets are priced at £18 each plus a booking fee.