The Glenfiddich Champion for 2019 is Finlay Johnston, successfully defending his 2018 title. He was placed second in ceol mor and second in MSR to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Connor Sinclair in his first appearance at this competition, with Glenn Brown in third. The annual competition was held as usual in the Great Hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. Those unable to travel to the event were able to watch it on a livestream over the internet.
Piobaireachd placings:
1 Glenn Brown, Farewell to the Queen’s Ferry
2 Finlay Johnston, Donald Gruamach’s March
3 Iain Speirs, Scarce of Fishing
4 Jack Lee, Lament for the Laird of Anapool
5 Connor Sinclair
MSR placings:
1 Connor Sinclair
2 Finlay Johnston
3 Niall Stewart
4 Callum Beaumont
5 Stuart Liddell
Invited pipers were: Calllum Beaumont, Glenn Brown, Andrew Hayes, Finlay Johnston, Jack Lee, Stuart Liddell, Gordon McCready, Connor Sinclair, Iain Speirs, Niall Stewart
Ceol Mor Judges: P Henderson, C MacLellan, S Samson
Ceol Beag Judges: M Henderson, A MacDonald, J Wilson
Points are awarded in each discipline and the piper with most declared champion. Pipers had to submit six piobaireachd and six marches strathspeys and reels of their own choice. The competition is sponsored by the William Grant Foundation.
Balvenie Medal for services to piping: Anne Spalding, Carnoustie.