European Pipe Band Championships.  Drum Major Andy's column!

Did I mention it sometimes rains here in Scotland? Well this year it's forgotten to stop! Saturday dawned grey and overcast, which wasn't nice as it had been raining all week and the ground was like a bog. I actually went to buy a pair of overshoes, more of which later.  Security was that tight that I had trouble getting in and I was officiating!! It was rather OTT to say the least.

I was stewarding at the Drum Majors so couldn't get to hear a lot of the Bands. It was fine in another way as I could get out of the incessant rain for a while but it stopped me lingering at my favourite Bands to see how they were getting on. The first bit of good news was that the Wee Band had qualified from their section and were not the Final! First ray of sunshine all day! The Big Band all seemed quietly confident that they could improve their performances of the first two Majors without being overconfident. On seeing the overshoes there were a good few 'comments'! A frigid glare saw off most of them! The others just laughed! Discipline? Who mentioned that?? It really was an awful day for any of the Bands to compete. We thought that Ballymena had been bad but this was worse! The players all deserved credit for actually getting their instruments to sound like anything! Water was literally running off the drums.

Felt sorry for my friends from Oman - they'd never experienced weather like this and they were rather downcast. They were appearing at the Tattoo at Fort George and had to leave early - I got the distinct impression they weren't too unhappy! The March Past! Remember the overshoes?? Did I get ripped during this time! Bands I knew were overjoyed to  see me..........I think that was it as they all had a giggle when they were marching past!  I then pointed out that my footwear was dry, my feet were warm and I wouldn't have to leave my shoes outside to dry for a week! Some actually agreed .................... but they didn't stop giggling! Next time I think I'll get flower power patterned ones!

The Wee Band gained a creditable 6th place! That's a place in every Major this year - brilliant! The Big Band managed what they wanted and climbed up the table, away from Bands that had been beating us at the beginning of the year - so everyone was happy........................ until the Band bus got stuck in the mud!!  Off they all piled and stood by the road whilst a tractor tried to get them unstuck! You knew when they were successful - you heard the shout of 'C'MOAN THE DENNY!!!' resounding from them all! Couldn't help a grin!

They were all planning to stop off in Aviemore..............glad of the knowledge that this place is going through a revamp. They'll have needed it after all the Bands that were planning to stop had left!

Here's to the Worlds!....................surely it won't rain there???? ..............will it??