*
banner

European Countdown — 8 days to go

More weird and wonderful things to ponder over, as we countdown to the big event.

EBBA
 

After the emergency weird facts to save you in a lift with the Belgians, 4BR gives you some wonderful facts about the Scots — just in case you are trapped in a bar with them over the weekend.

And they will be there we promise you...

1. The Scottish Football team has spent the longest period of time as the unofficial world champions – 103 matches or 13,003 days, although they have never progressed beyond the first round of any World Cup they have competed in.

The strange system gives the title to any team who beats a team that has beaten a team, who has beaten the team etc who were crowned official world champions.

2. Edinburgh was the first city in the world which had its own fire-brigade.

There is no known official name for the dreaded deep fried Mars Bar -except a heart attack in batter4BR

3. At least 6 US Presidents have been of Scottish descent: Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), James Madison (1751-1836), Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), James Knox Polk (1795-1849), William McKinley (1843-1901), Woodrow (Thomas) Wilson (1856-1924)

4. Scottish dishes are well-known for their weird names, like Forfar Bridie (a meat pastry), Cock-a-leekie (soup), Collops (escalope), Crappit heid (fish dish), Finnan haddie (haddock fish), Arbroath Smokie (smoked haddock), Cullen Skink (haddock soup), Partan bree (seafood dish), Mince and tatties (minced meat and potatoes), Rumbledethumps, Skirlie...

There is no known official name for the dreaded deep fried Mars Bar -except a heart attack in batter...

5. The country’s motto is, Nemo me impune lacessit — No one provokes me with impunity.

6. The Scottish government banned golf in 1647.

7. The ten most popular surnames in Scotland are: 1. Smith; 2. Brown; 3. Wilson; 4. Thomson; 5. Robertson; 6. Campbell; 7. Stewart; 8. Anderson 9. MacDonald; 10. Scott

8. Kilts are not native to Scotland. They originated in France.

9. A ten year study in Scotland found that 20% more people die of heart attacks on Mondays than any other day of the week.

10. The origins of the bagpipes in Scotland is uncertain. Some say it was a Roman import, whilst others believe that the instrument came from Ireland as the result of colonization.

The piob mhor, or great Highland bagpipe, though was developed by Highlanders to its fullest extent and make it, both in peace and war, their national instrument.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


wobplay

New ownership announced for World of Brass, Wobplay and World of Sound

July 1 • The trio of leading brass band music brands have been bought as an independent business by Adam Goldsmith and Nicki Tonge.


Spring Festival

Venues and dates for 2027 & 2028 Spring Festival announced

July 1 • Town Hall Birmingham and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will host the 2027 and 2028 British Open Spring Festival contests as long term plans are put in place following feedback.


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd