‘Given Scottie’s very substantial contribution to RSPBA both at branch and national level it would be fitting if as many pipers and drummers, past and present members of bands in the London & South of England Branch and elsewhere could turn out to play at her funeral. I have asked Stephen Cussen, Pipe Major of the University of Bedfordshire Pipe Band, to organise this on behalf of the Branch and shall be grateful if you will liaise with him in that connection. Stephen may be contacted on email at stephen.cussen@ubs.com and on mobile 07894 226951.’
This is an extremely well run event and, apart from being a prestigious contest in its own right, is a useful warmup for pipers preparing for London. (London entries close tomorrow by the way). The standard is always high and the surroundings and efficiency of the day make it a pleasant afternoon of listening for all enthusiasts. Support the competition if you can.
Ian Blake has sent the results of last Saturday’s (Sept 24) Iain Dall Young Pipers Festival held in Gairloch High School: ‘The festival was the setting for a remarkable double hat-trick by thirteen year-old Archie Maclean from Edinbane, Skye. Archie was awarded the John Burgess Memorial Award (and one week’s tuition at Ullapool Bagpipe Specialists) for Best Overall U15, having won the Iain Dall Chanter presented by the Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland & the UK for U15 Piobaireachd and U15 MSR. Then, in the final Open, competition, his tune Stand by To Gybe won the Ishbel MacAskill Memorial Prize for an Original Tune, which he also won in 2015 and 2014.
‘The John Burgess Award for Best Overall Under 18 went to Angus MacPhee, Inverness, and the Quaich for U18 Piobaireachd presented by North Highland Connections, was won by John A MacLaren, Invergordon. Calum MacKenzie, Inverness, won the Flowerdale Cup donated by John MacKenzie of Gairloch for Best Novice and Ruaraidh Drennan, Drumnadrochit, took Gold for Primary Chanter.
‘Bruce Hitchings, judging the U15 Piobaireachd, U15 MSR, and U18 Piobaireachd, congratulated the young pipers on their enthusiasm but also the very high standard, particularly in the piobaireachd. Endorsing his colleague’s comments, and in a tribute to the tutors, the other adjudicator Archie Maclean commended the skill and determination shown by competitors in the Primary Chanter, Novice and U18 March, Strathspey & Reel competitions.
‘The Chairman reminded all present how much the Festival relied on the goodwill and generosity of sponsors like Achiltibuie Bagpipe Specialists, Alastair Pearson at The Old Inn, to say nothing of anonymous well-wishers who funded the prizes and, through the interest of Councillor Richard Greene, welcomed the grant from Highland Council without which the Festival could not have taken place this year.’
Results:
Chanter Gold: Ruaraidh Drennan, Drumnadrochit; Silver: Andra Cumming, Laide; Bronze: Jamal Abdelrhman, Aultbea.
Novice Gold: Calum MacKenzie, Aultbea; Silver: Callum MacDonald, Poolewe; Bronze: Hardie Crawford, Ullapool.
U15 Piobaireachd Gold: Archie Maclean, Edinbane, Skye; Silver: Ciaran Kellett, Kyle of Lochalsh; Bronze: Calum Dunbar, Balloch.
U15 MSR Gold: Archie Maclean; Silver: Ciaran Kellett; Bronze: Calum Dunbar.
U18 Piobaireachd & Gold: John A. MacLaren, Invergordon; Silver: Angus MacPhee, Inverness; Bronze Eòghàinn: Peutan, Kilmuir, Skye.
U18 MSR Gold: Angus MacPhee; Silver: Eòghàinn Peutan,
Bronze; Hamish Drennan, Drumnadrochit
John Burgess Memorial Award, Best U18 Overall: Angus MacPhee
‘Brìghde is a piper from the Isle of Skye who plays dazzlingly intricate and beautiful tunes in the Gaelic tradition, with a Scandinavian and Cape Breton influence too. Since winning her award this year Brìghde has performed at Cambridge Folk Festival. This is going to be a very special, intimate show in a historic venue (the very spot Martin Carthy asked Bob Dylan to make his debut UK performance.) And in honour of that great moment floor spots are available if you fancy giving us a song or a tune.’