fortune. I am tempted to move the Oyster Café down to Levengrove Park for the day just to see if I can get a wee turn? And let’s face it, being surrounded by thousands of big burly pipers is no bad thing either!”
West Dunbartonshire has come to expect a total net economic benefit of up to £1,300,000 generated by the event alone with an average spend of around £50 per person.
In previous years, the event has been well received by visitors, both local and out with the area; sponsors; on-site traders; and hotels and retailers in the town itself.
Of all those attending, 67% came from outside West Dunbartonshire, some from as far as Canada and the USA. Of this group, 96% had come specifically for the Scottish Pipe Band Championships.
As the main sponsor for the fifth year running, Chivas Brothers will help to make this year’s championships be bigger and better than ever before.
Vanessa Wright, Communications Director of Chivas Brothers comments: “We are delighted to continue our support of this event which has proven to be a great success, attracting thousands of visitors to Dumbarton. Chivas Brothers is proud to be involved in the event and to support the local community with our sponsorship.”
The RSPBA praised the support offered by the Council and the efficient running of the event. The relationship has grown over the years to the extent that the RSPBA now feels there is very little that could be done to improve the Championship’s organisation.
Another major aspect of the event is how quickly and effectively West Dunbartonshire Council can get Levengrove Park back to its original high standard after the championships and the event over the years has been designed so that it has the least amount of environmental impact.
Ground protection work is very sympathetic to reduce any horticultural damage but with traffic of 120 buses, 20 camper vans, 20 mini buses and 1,100 cars , a certain amount of wear and tear has to be expected.
Tom Urie who plays Community Centre Janitor, Bob O’Hara, on River City explains: “In an event this size, the clean- up is almost a major event in itself! At least 30 ground staff are set to do the big clean up on Saturday night and Sunday morning, collecting an estimated 8 tonnes of rubbish, filling a 40 yard3 skip. Good god! That’s a right good few binbags!”
West Dunbartonshire Council’s Provost and Games Chieftain, Denis Agnew sums up “We are thrilled to have Chivas Brothers continue their support as our principal partner for the Championships. Over the last nine years we have made sure this event has become a fantastic day out for all the family and a spectacular showcase for West Dunbartonshire.”
