William McCallum was declared the overall champion at today’s Donald MacLeod Memorial competition held at the Caladh Inn, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, after placing first in both Ceol Mor and Ceol Beag. Runner-up was Iain Speirs.
In an extremely generous gesture, the competing pipers waived their fees for playing – the money going towards the continuation of the contest next year. Fear an Tighe John Smith also paid tribute to the Piping Centre which had raised £1,000 for the Donald MacLeod and also to the Gordon Duncan Trust who had made a significant contribution to the contest.
The event was live streamed over the internet and this proved a boon for those enthusiasts who couldn’t make the journey to the Western Isles. Viewers from 27 countries tuned in. Judges for all events were Iain MacFadyen, John Wilson and Willie Morrison. The winner of the Hornpipe and Jig was Gordon McCready but under Donald MacLeod rules this does not count towards the overall prize. Pipers and their tunes:
Piob
Callum Beaumont, Lament for the Rowan Tree
Glenn Brown, MacMhurich’s Salute
Finlay Johnston, Salute to the White Primrose
Gordon McCready, Cabar Feidh Gu Bragh
William McCallum, Roderick MacDonald’s Salute
Iain Speirs, Lament for the Iolaire
MSR
Callum Beaumont: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Brig. Cheape, Susan MacLeod, Dora MacLeod, Fiona MacLeod, Man from Glengarry
Glenn Brown: Glasgow Skye Assoc. Centenary Gathering, John MacFadyen of Melfort, Glentruim, Lady MacKemzie, Neil Angus MacDonald, Blackberry Bush
Finlay Johnston: Duncan MacColl, Inverlochy Castle, Duncan Lamont, Tulloch Castle, Cockeral in the Creel, Smith of Chilliechassie
Gordon McCready: Knightswood Ceilidh, Lonach Gathering, Falls of Forsy, Blair Drummond, John Garroway, Willie Murray
William McCallum: Mrs Duncan MacFadyen,Angus Campbell’s Farewell to Stirling, Sandy MacPherson, Ewe Wi’ the Crookit Horn, The Ferryman, John MacKechnie
Iain Speirs: Duchess of Edinburgh, P/M J MacWilliams, Arniston Castle, Susan Macleod,Fiona MacLeod, Bessie MacIntyre
H&J
Callum Beaumont: Donald MacLeod, Kenny Ross
Glenn Brown: Colin MacKay, Braes of Mellinish
Finlay Johnston: Train Journey North, Kenny Gillies, Portnalong
Gordon McCready: Raigmore, Hen’s March
William McCallum: St Valery, Skye
Iain Speirs: P/M George Allan, Whatever Moreover
