New prizes in the Band Arena

The sound of the pipes will again fill Bendigo's Rosalind Park at Scots Day Out on Saturday 2 March and this year special prizes will be introduced for bands competing on the day.

Thanks to sponsorship from the Melbourne-based Scottish suppliers Celtic Affairs and supporters of Scots Day Out, awards will be made for the bands gaining the highest points for ensemble in their respective senior grades.

The prizes, including vouchers. will be named the David McCutcheon Ramsay Memorial Trophy for Ensemble in honour of the Celtic Affairs founder who passed away last year. David, a former RAF pipe major, was actively involved in a number of bands when he came to Australia and a long-time supporter of assisting country bands in particular.

Celtic Affairs is being continued by his wife Anne and family who will have a special display at SDO selling pipe band equipment, Scottish goods and souvenirs.

Pipe bands will commence the SDO celebrations as they parade down Bendigo's historic View St before taking part in competition throughout the day and the massed band and highland dancer finale.