Johnstone Pipe Band’s Grade One group has formally dissolved following a meeting with members on Wednesday evening.
Pipe Major Donald Mackay confirmed the decision had been reached after “much deliberation” and consultation within the organisation.
Members were invited to the band hall in Johnstone, where Mr Mackay expressed his gratitude for their professionalism and years of commitment. He said the meeting offered a chance to reflect on their achievements while recognising the growing challenges they faced. The decision to dissolve followed a combination of issues, but the most significant was the inability to appoint a suitable Leading Drummer — a problem that ultimately made the Grade One outfit unsustainable.
Johnstone Pipe Band was founded in 1943 by former provost James Mackay and has carried the town’s name with pride for more than 80 years. From early appearances at local parades to competing at the World Pipe Band Championships since 1948, the band has enjoyed championship success, earned promotions across several grades and helped nurture young musicians through its youth programme.
While the Grade One band has now come to an end, the Johnstone name will continue through the existing Grade 3A band. Mr Mackay thanked former and current members, supporters and sponsors, and wished everyone well in their future endeavours.
It comes as Closkelt Pipe Band, another Grade One outfit from Northern Ireland, announced its complete and immediate dissolution earlier this week. Pipe Major David Chesney said the decision was the result of “a combination of internal and external factors.”
The closure has been viewed as a major blow to the sustainability of elite pipe bands in the UK and, at the time of the announcement, reduced the number of active Grade One bands to just seven. The move has added to growing concern about the long-term viability of the top competitive level, particularly as Johnstone’s disbandment has followed so soon after.
Photo Credit: Johnstone Pipe Band
The full statement from Johnstone Pipe Band said: “After much deliberation and in consultation with its members, Johnstone Pipe Band’s Grade One have taken the difficult decision to formally dissolve, effective immediately.
“All current members were invited to a meeting this evening at the band’s hall in Johnstone, where I formally addressed the band to convey my appreciation for their professionalism and contributions over the years. It was an opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements and to also acknowledge the challenges we have encountered. This decision to formally dissolve the Grade One band was the result of a combination of challenges, most notably the inability to appoint a suitable individual to the position of Leading Drummer.
“From its establishment in 1943 by the former Provost of Johnstone, James Mackay, the band has proudly represented the town for over 80 years, from supporting local parades in its early years to competing on the world stage at the World Pipe Band Championships since 1948. Over the years, Johnstone Pipe Band has celebrated championship victories, earned promotions across the competitive grades and fostered the next generation of pipers and drummers through its dedicated youth programme.
“Although this marks the conclusion of the Grade One band’s activities, the Johnstone name will remain active through the current Grade 3A band.
On behalf of the organisation, I extend my thanks to all past and present members, supporters and sponsors and we wish everyone all the very best in their future endeavours.”