Pipe bands rise to Wick parking challenge
MEMBERS of Wick RBLS Pipe Band continued their centenary celebrations on Saturday evening with a massed band parade, although they had to contend with selfish drivers in the town centre.
The Wick musicians were playing along with Caithness Junior Pipe Band and Sutherland Schools Pipe Band but parked cars in the pedestrian-priority Market Square meant that the pipes and drums were forced into a very tight formation along High Street.
Shona Tait had just returned from Brora where she had been piping at the Highland Amateur Cup final between Wick Groats and Avoch. She said: "I've had a great day playing at the football cup final and I've also been invited to play at Hampden."
Saturday proved "a tad tricky" for the young piper, though, when the massed band formation was forced into a much tighter space than had been intended.
"It’s just a case of keeping calm and playing on," said Shona.
Commentator for the evening was John Bogle who said that the massed band "managed extremely well" considering there was a last-minute change of plan due to the parked vehicles.
"It was disappointing to see the cars parked on both sides of the square and, along with the pipe major, we decided to change the plan," he said.
At points, the counter-marching – when musicians turn and file up and down past one another – was very tight along High Street but even the youngest rose to the challenge and coped well.
Saturday was the last massed pipe band event of the summer but Wick RBLS Pipe Band will play next week in fancy dress for a grand finale.
