Piping Hot Summer Drummer/Weekend Games/ SFU/ Sheila Beaton etc.

A young drummer from the celebrated Dollar Academy Pipe Band, Cameron McCall (15), was lucky enough to win a scholarship to the SFU Pipe Band organisations ‘Piping Hot Summer Drummer’ camp last month (pictured above).

As with his visit to the Winter Storm weekend last February he kept a diary of his time abroad and today shares it with Piping Press. We would encourage as many of our young readers as possible to try their hand at writing about their experiences in piping, drumming and bands and we will happily give any encouragement needed and a platform for their reminiscences.

Our thanks to drummer and Highland supplies businessman Scott Currie for his assistance with today’s feature. Scott tells me he is very busy at the moment with his shop in the run up to the worlds with many special offers and extended opening hours. Check out his shop here.

The PHSD must be one of the biggest piping and drumming camps in North America if not the world. Anyone wishing for some high quality tuition during the winter may like to consider the South Florida Piping and Drumming Academy to be held in Fort Lauderdale  in February. Last year was a great success and details are being finalised for next year’s school.[wds id=”3″]


I understand there are four, yes only four, tickets remaining for the SFU concert on Wednesday. Check out ticketing here. P/M Alan Bevan won’t be competing at Oban and Inverness due to band commitments.

It was with sadness that I heard of Sheila Beaton’s passing after a long illness. Sheila and her late husband Allan were great supporters of the Scottish Piping Society of London, the John MacFadyen Trust and the Piobaireachd Society.  There is a nice tribute on the Scottish Piping Society of London‘s website. Ironic that she should pass away the week of the Skye Gathering and Silver Chanter, events they were both immersed in for many years.


Perth band and solo contest on Sunday with a very healthy entry from overseas bands. In G1 are Inveraray, the Vale, Denny, Australia’s Band Club and St Andrews bands, Mackenzie Cal. playing up, and the Stuart Highlanders from the US. Should be a good contest with Inveraray clear favourites.


Games today at Dornoch and tomorrow 8th Aug at Aberfeldy, Strathpeffer and Nethybridge tomorrow. 10.30 start for the latter Piob, MSR, Jig, Juniors. Organisers say small junior entry so far, and only six in senior. Still accepting entries on 01479 821 642 or dean.david@gmail.com Results as they become available and well done to all the pipers who have been getting out for a tune despite the poor summer we’ve been having.


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