Community & Business
20 May, 2026
Bush bash for Glasgow-bound pipers
THE United Tableland Pipe Band is going bush to raise funds for two of its members who have the chance to compete at the World Pipeband Championships in Glasgow in August.
“The Worlds” happen every year and are the peak performance and competition event for bagpipe bands.
Pipers Robyn Morgan and Mick Ruppin (who is also the United Tablelands Pipe Major) will be playing with the Sydney-based Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipeband (GMM for short) which is sending two bands to the Worlds this year.
The Atherton band has organised a Bush Dance – complete with a live folk band, a dance caller, a free light supper, a cash bar, and yes, a little bit of piping – to raise funds to help send Mick and Robyn on their way.
To be held at the Yungaburra Community Hall on 30 May, the group is hoping to attract a wide range of people and families, keen for a night of music and dancing.
Mick said he and Robyn had answered the call to Glasgow when the GMM began looking for guest players last year, so it could take two bands to the 2026 Worlds instead of one.
It was also an opportunity to play under the leadership of veteran Pipe Major Barry Gray who competed and led bands overseas countless times during a 50-year career as a piper and band leader.
Robyn and Mick have been travelling to Sydney roughly once every two months for a weekend of rehearsals, or to attend a local pipeband competition, to learn the tunes and techniques required for the Worlds.
“The level of tuition is intense,” Mick said. “We have covered everything from maintenance of the bagpipes, ideal reeds and equipment, individual tuition and of course, weekends with the band.”
Group lessons are also conducted via Zoom every week and individual videos often requested by the Pipe Major who then reviewed and gave feedback to the players.
Mick said the aim of the whole experience would not only benefit his own and Robyn’s piping, but the community and up-and-coming pipers.
“We’ll bring back knowledge, skills and enthusiasm that we can share with the United Tableland Pipeband which performs regularly at public events, some of which require serious preparation and solid performances for special occasions.”
The band has a long history of supporting community events such as Anzac Day, Mareeba Rodeo, Atherton Show, Malanda Show, and VP Day, and is always on the lookout for new members for whom it provides free tuition.
“The Sydney experience has added immensely to our knowledge and that will help in our teaching,” Mick said.
The Yungaburra Bush Dance will be held at the Community Hall, Cedar Rd, on Saturday 30 May.
Doors open from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are $20 online at humanitix, or $25 at the door. Under 18s are free.
