Buchan searching for P-M after Oliphant resigns

Oliphant had guided the Aberdeen, Scotland-based group to Grade 1 status after a highly successful run through the grades, including the RSPBA Champion of Champion award in 2013, a season that included a win of that grade at the World Championships.

Despite the band’s success in 2013, it remained in Grade 2 in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and continued strong with third prizes at the World’s in two of those years before being promoted to Grade 1.

+ Buchan returns Grade 1 to north of Scotland

In Buchan Peterson’s two years in Grade 1 the band struggled to get out of the bottom quarter of the rankings at RSPBA majors, and in 2018 did not compete at the British Championships.

“We are now looking for a new pipe-major who can maintain and build upon the band’s reputation as a strong competitive presence in the North East of Scotland and beyond,” band Chairman Robert Skinner said in a statement. “We would like to thank Scott for his hard work and commitment over the past few years and we wish him the very best for the future.”

While the Aberdeen area of the country has traditionally had a strong piping and drumming presence, Grade 1 bands have found it difficult to maintain consistent numbers and standard. The longest-running organization in the region is Bucksburn & District, which runs several bands, including a Grade 2 band that enjoyed solid success in 2018.

Oliphant was not immediately available to comment on his decision to step down and if he plans to remain with Buchan Peterson or join another band.

Earlier in the week, Grade 1 Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia, also of Scotland, confirmed that it is searching for a new pipe-major after the resignation of Ryan Canning.

+ Canning steps down as Shotts P-M