*
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    


bbw

Brass Band World: May issue out now

May 16 • The latest issue of the magazine is now out — packed with a comprehensive look at the banding world.


Imogen Whitehead

Whitehead to premiere new flugel concerto

May 16 • Imogen Whitehead will give the world premiere of a new flugel horn concerto by Gabriel Jackson as part of her residency at the Ryedale Festival this year.


Band Supplies

Brilliant finance deals from Band Supplies

May 16 • If its a Sterling euphonium or a Smith Watkins cornet you are looking for this Summer then make sure you get in touch with Band Supplies.


Plumridge

Plumridge to become new principal cornet at Grimethorpe

May 15 • Hannah Plumridge is to become the new principal cornet of Grimethorpe Colliery Band as she ends a decade with Cory on a personal high.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd