The 78th Fraser Highlands qualified and I was glad to see it.
Over the past few years it had been sad to see them slip down the ladder and not to even qualify last year. They still sound a bit "thin" compared to today's top outfit but I'm glad they are back in the Final at least.
One can but imagine that the RSPBA thinks that eBay either has no lawyers, or that they don't like pipebands and therefore don't come to contests....
The bands are forming up for the Results. Clever spectators commandeer the abandoned grandstands from earlier grades awaiting the formal proceedings and the all important results.
In truth, this is the rubbish bit. No matter how enthusiastic Mervyn Herron tries to sound, it's basically a lot of bands moseying in to the accompaniment of 6/8s.
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You'll forgive me for skipping the Drum Majors, save to say that Northern Ireland was again fairly dominant. One has to wonder if the rest of the world is really trying....
Adult Drum Major bucked the trend and went to the SFU Drum Major (J Paquio). Was that an omen? I'm typing this as we go, so who knows? Paula Braiden came a creditable second, keeping the Ulster end up. And now, as they say, the Bands... Novice Juvenile Drums - George WatsonPiping
MSR - SLOT
Medley - SLOT
[* - Edit - This was the order called on the day and thus is the order I'm leaving in this post, as a document of record. In fact, the results were later amended to have SFU in third, ahead of Boghall on Ensemble preference. The link to the offical RSPBA results page is here.]
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Speaking to a colossal crowd, the Chieftain has just told us precisely how colossal that crowd is. Apparently we number over 53000! That's a lot of haggis. Never mind neeps and tatties.
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Due to variable cell reception, the posts are slowing down. As am I.
You can see from the photos that there is now a gourmet eating spot in the Food from Argyll tent.
Haggis, neeps and tatties is my predictable (and delicious) fare but you can also have a roast Aberdeen Angus dinner or a venison burger. Brilliant!
I wholeheartedly commend the haggis. As I strolled the Green a number of passersby remarked on the bowl of goodness and sallied off towards the tent.
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If SFU can play in the arena like they are playing outside the rest of them may go home. Powerful stuff. I got up close and will post video throughout next week if the excitement doesn't kill me.
I love this stuff!!!
I'm not sure I've seen a crowd like it. Nor can I remember being as sweltered.
The place is bunged.
Boghall have just started their MSR and I saw Cullybackey just forming up to get ready for the start of the Medley. A couple of hours and it'll be almost over!
SFU have been practising with ominous determination. Pipers are still at it but drummers are taking a break.
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Inverary and District hit the line. Another band with an Ulster born lead tip. Steven McWhirter started in Cullybackey and is a world title winner with SFU. Blogging Live!