At this stage (late March) it is hard to predict if our 2021 competitions will proceed and if so in what form. Whatever is decided, government guidance and advice will be strictly complied with and developments carefully monitored.
Should there be restrictions remaining for indoor events, consideration will be given to holding events at Mossfield. This could be very successful, especially should the Games also proceed. Additional grant funds may be available to offset the extra costs. The format of our competition may also be determined by other events which may or may not take place: the Northern Meeting, Piping Live and the World Pipe Band Championships are all also attractions for our overseas players.
In view of the recent positive data, I would hope that the go / no go decision could be delayed until mid-June.
Last year the Highland Society of London’s MacGregor Memorial competition was held online by YouTube submissions. Should competitions have to be cancelled again this year it is our intention to repeat the virtual format for this competition. The online magazine Pipes and Drums had nominated the online MacGregor as "event of the year’" in its New Year Honours list, stating "the Argyllshire Gathering decided that the contest for young pipers should keep going, pulling off what was one of the most equitable events of the year".
