RSPBA

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association was founded in 1930 as a governing body to oversee pipe band competition and to promote and encourage the development of pipe band culture throughout the world. The RSPBA sets the rules and guidelines for pipe band contests that take place in Scotland, administers the events themselves, coordinating adjudication, logistics and evaluation, and holds Annual General Meetings to ensure that the rules and regulations are up to date.

World Pipe Band Championships

In addition, the RSPBA administers and coordinates the World Pipe Band Championships, the largest and most prestigious competitive pipe band event of the year, held every August in Glasgow. In addition to The World’s, there are four other Major Contests - Scottish, British and European Championships and Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the oldest Highland Games on the circuit.

Branch level

At Branch level, there are numerous contests held at Highland Games and any venue which raises the fund to hold a contest. Bands are placed in a Grade system - from Grade 4 up to Grade 1.

Competitive standards are set and maintained by the Music Board, and each branch of the RSPBA may appoint two National Council members to represent their Branch Members at the national level. The RSPBA is the recognised Centre of Excellence for the promotion and development of Pipe Band Music internationally.

Looking for the Latest Learning opportunities, available to pipers and drummers regardless of band or branch. Interested in gaining certification through Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced or even Instructors.

Just looking to improve your ability to read and write music, understand written music better then we have a solution for you. Whether it"s Seasonal Schools, Structured Learning or one off workshops, you"ll find all the latest learning opportunities here as they appear. The RSPBA is committed to lifelong learning opportunities for all our members.