The Worlds

“I enjoyed the programme on TV recently to mark the 70th anniversary of the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green,” writes Peter White of Coupar Angus.

“However, this is not the first event to be so described. In 1946, during National Service, I was a piper in the pipes and drums at the Queen’s Barracks in Perth. Our pipe major – Bob Hill of the Argylls – organised a trip to Dunoon to attend the Cowal Games. They organised a pipe band competition which was billed as The Worlds.

“We left Perth early in the morning and I remember having to ‘de-bus’ and walk up the Rest and Be Thankful.

“At that time, many of the bands arrived in Dunoon on the ferry from Glasgow. They tuned up during the crossing then formed up beside the ferry. They then played as individual bands up to the Games park.

“Glasgow Police was the pipe band that was playing when I first heard a tune that has become one of my very favourite tunes – Mrs Macpherson of Inveran. The bobbies were world champions that year.

“When the RSPBA took over as organisers of the World Championships, the first events took place at different venues around the country. In 1950, I attended the one which was held in Dens Park, Dundee, and still have the programme.

“The Edinburgh Police were champions that year and I also note that Tom Robson won one of the many Drum Majors’ Championships that year. Tom was English, but married to a Perth girl.”