New Glasgow City band promises a different approach

Former Grade 2 Lomond & Clyde Pipe-Major David Wotherspoon has made public his plans to form the Glasgow City Pipe Band, a brand new pipe band starting in September of this year with a slightly different approach.

With an aim to launch in Grade 2, but accepting that the band might have to begin in Grade 3A, he says that more than 20 members already have committed to joining Glasgow City. Rather than the usual weekly or twice-a-week practice schedule demands, the band will hold only one four-hour Saturday practice each month over the winter, and then move to a weekly routine as the contest season begins.

It’s all intended to appeal to those who have family and work commitments, the primary reasons that pipers and drummers cite for not playing in a pipe band.

“Sadly, many bands have folded in recent years and I hope the creation of this new band for Glasgow will be well received and supported,” Wotherspoon said.

He has already secured his pipe-sergeant, with Andrew Reid holding the post, and the band’s first practice is scheduled for September 19th in Broomhill, Glasgow.

Wotherspoon was Pipe-Major of Lomond & Clyde for several years, starting in 2008 when he moved from Shotts & Dykehead. He was Pipe-Major of the now defunct Grade 1 City of Glasgow Pipe Band in the 1990s and also led the Grade 2 Dunoon Argyll Pipe Band.