Band lost £5000 in Dutch disaster
Unpaid expenses after tattoo cancelled
Stonehouse Pipe Band have been working hard to recoup significant financial loss during the summer after suffering a major disappointment with a Dutch booking.
The Arnhem Military Tattoo in Holland, where the band were due to perform, was cancelled with only three weeks’ notice, leading to a loss of more than £5000 costs paid up front.
Several months ago the band were invited to take part in the tattoo and entered into a contract which stated that on the final night of the event the band’s expenses would be reimbursed directly into their bank account.
When it was cancelled, the majority of the expenses were not recovered.
The band’s position was further frustrated by the fact that no-one has been able to shed light on who or which body cancelled the tattoo and is subsequently responsible to settle the expenses.
Band secretary Morag Cook explained: “Whilst the band used its best endeavours through contacts in Scotland and in Holland, it has had no success in recovering its considerable outlay.
“The cancellation of the event has had morale too.
“Extra tutors had been engaged, again at a cost, and the band concentrated on perfecting the playlist for the tattoo, which had been quite demanding, especially for the younger members of the band.
“However, the extra tuition had begun to improve the band’s playing and it was the intention, on returning from Holland, to focus on competition tunes.
“But the disappointing events and lack of practice led to the decision to cancel competitions meantime and resume this aspect of their playing next season.
“Whilst the band an effect on is undoubtedly down, it is most definitely not out.”
The band have played at several extra events to try to ensure that sufficient funds are available and are looking for a sponsor to help in paying for practice accommodation and for pipe and drum tutors.
Pipe Sergeant Kenneth Neilson said: “In contrast to the Arnhem Tattoo, five pipers and two drummers were, at virtually the last minute, asked to assist by taking part and augmenting the numbers in the Liechtenstein Tattoo in September, which went without a hitch and which was enjoyed by all of the members who took part.
“Having learned from the Arnhem debacle, the band will only accept such invitations where expenses are paid up front.
“This was the case with the Liechtenstein Tattoo, whose organisers made all the arrangements for us, made us very welcome and appreciated the part we played in their fifth annual tattoo.”
The band are seeking new playing members. Learners are also welcome and details of phone numbers are on the band’s website and Facebook pages.
Anyone interested can go to a practice session in the Lifestyles centre on Monday evenings from 6.30pm till 9.30pm.
Whilst the band is undoubtedly down, it is most definitely not out