4BR has been informed that Scotland has submitted a formal request to withdraw from the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
The decision could well mean the end of over 70 years of participation in a competition that was formally constituted in 1945, but which in recent years has seen Scottish bands struggle to achieve success at either London or Cheltenham. The last time a Scottish band won a National title was in 2000.
Historic championships
Scotland has enjoyed devolved powers in the running of their own brass band Championships in recent years, with the event no longer receiving direct financial help from Kapitol Promotions, the promoters of the National Championships.
It is understood that the Scottish Championship will return to becoming the Scottish National Championship, echoing its historic position which saw the first event take place in 1895 — five years before the first National Finals at Crystal Palace in 1900.
And after failing to send a representative band to the European Championships in Ostend this year, it is also understood that Scotland will also make a formal request to EBBA to be re-admitted as a sovereign nation into the Championship Section in 2018.
High profile source
A high profile source from the Scottish Brass Band Association told 4BR: "We were informed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, that she didn't agree with any of the results from the National Championships of Great Britain from 2001 onwards.
As she believes these results were a material change in circumstances, she has invoked an amendment to the letter written to Prime Minister Theresa May asking for a Section 30 order to allow Holyrood to legislate for a referendum for Scottish brass band players to vote on what future they want."
A spokesperson for the First Minister, who 4BR was told, used to be a useful second baritone player, said: "Our future cannot be denied on banding matters.
Nicola Sturgeon didn't agree with the result of the recent England versus Scotland Six Nations rugby game or the Great British Bake off either, so we will be opting out of those competitions in future as well."
It is understood that the Scottish Championship will return to becoming the Scottish National Championship, echoing its historic position which saw the first event take place in 18954BR
Flower of Scotland
Meanwhile a spokesperson for the National Championships gave a musical response. "The request reminds us of their National Anthem — 'O Flower of Scotland, When will we see your like again'.
Hopefully back at Cheltenham and the Royal Albert Hall in a few months time when the First Minister comes to her senses…"
