Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games

**Alan H** · 11th June 12, 11:53 AM

Great shots! I'm surprised to see such a delicate crossbar used in the weight over bar. Kineticat looks TOUGH!

C'mon Kineticat, snarl for us! Well Done!

**tulloch** · 11th June 12, 01:46 PM

Wonderful photos Alex. Thank you very much for that.

**OC Richard** · 12th June 12, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

I am not so keen on this new trend of some pipe bands not wearing kilts. Here is the Mid Argyll Pipe Band. Everybody to their own tastes however.

I'm not too keen on that either!

It's an oddity of the rules of the various Pipe Band Associations that a band dressed like that would be DQ'd at any contest in the USA, because our PBA's require Highland Dress.

However the rules of the RSPBA (Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association) only require that a band appear in matching dress. That is why Breton Bagad pipe bands and Spanish Gaita pipe bands can compete in Scotland in trousers... they would need to get a special exemption to compete in the USA.

On the other hand, pipe bands wearing mismatched kilts are OK at USA contests but such bands would be DQ'd in Scotland... all kilts must match under the RSPBA rules. It's uncommon but not unheard of here in the USA for a new band to compete for the first year or so with all the members just wearing their personal kilts, until funds are raised to buy matching kilts. They couldn't compete in Scotland that way.

I hope that that plain black shirts and trousers thing doesn't become more widespread over there!

And as always THANKS for the wonderful photos, which enable this Yank to vicariously experience so many of your Games over there!

(PS the World Pipe Band Championships held at Glasgow Green attracts around 220 pipe bands each year... over 200 more that perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo! It amazes me how few people realise how much bigger "The Worlds" is than the Tattoo.)

**Chas** · 12th June 12, 11:55 AM

Wonderful pictures, as per usual, Alex.

A broken caber - how is that even possible? Must surely be a unique experience?

I am very intrigued, what is this judge carrying?

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Judging the Drum Majors Competition and looking suitably stern.

Regards

Chas

**sydnie7** · 12th June 12, 12:01 PM

Looks like rain gear for his judging clipboard -- ingenious!

**cessna152towser** · 12th June 12, 12:43 PM

A broken caber - how is that even possible? Must surely be a unique experience?

I've searched the web and the only record I can find of a caber breaking when tossed was the Strathmore Games in 2010.

I am very intrigued, what is this judge carrying?

As Sydnie said above, raingear for his clipboard. The clipboard contained his notepad and had this ingenious perspex cover to keep it dry during the rain showers.

**cessna152towser** · 18th June 12, 05:20 AM

OC Richard wrote:-

PS the World Pipe Band Championships held at Glasgow Green attracts around 220 pipe bands each year... over 200 more that perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo! It amazes me how few people realise how much bigger "The Worlds" is than the Tattoo.

So true.
As a Scot who lives closer to Edinburgh than to Glasgow I am equally amazed.
I have never attended the Edinburgh Tattoo as I have absolutely no desire to do so.
I am eagerly looking forward to the Worlds in Glasgow again in August this year when I will be playing host to guests from Germany and Canada.

**creagdhubh** · 18th June 12, 07:24 AM

Great pics, thanks Alex!

Cheers,

**English Bloke** · 18th June 12, 08:05 AM

Great pictures Alex. Cheers for taking us along.

**CMcG** · 18th June 12, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

I am not so keen on this new trend of some pipe bands not wearing kilts. Here is the Mid Argyll Pipe Band. Everybody to their own tastes however.

I sincerely hope that is not a trend that catches on. Some of the other pipers you showed us had pretty sweet hose though, with either a cuff topper or different coloured cuff.