It is with sadness that we report the passing of Allan MacColl, the man who 25 years ago had the vision to revive the once grand Lochaber Gathering. Allan, who was 79, had been in failing health for several months. A lifelong lover of Gaelic, its language, song and poetry, Allan also had a passion for the great pipe and its music. Though he himself did not play, his son…

As part of our Lockdown Challenge we invited readers to submit a piece of artwork, an essay or a new tune to be judged by our experts and prizes awarded. Today we have an essay from reader Ian Forbes who looks back with some fondness on the once great Cowal Gathering – see Massed Bands pic above. Please keep the entries coming in. Send to the usual address pipingpress@gmail.com I…

By Robert Wallace, Piobaireachd Society President The annual Piobaireachd Society sponsored recital of ceòl mòr which had been scheduled for early August has been postponed until November due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival of which the concert was part. The event, entitled, ‘Classical Bagpipe Music – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure’, will now take place on Novemebr 29 – the Sunday nearest St Andrew’s…

Many pipers and drummers throughout the world are working in the front line of this worldwide fight against Covid-19, but I don’t know of too many (although I stand to be corrected) who are in what must be the most unenviable position of leading a government’s fight against this cruel virus.  Here in Northern Ireland our Health Minister, Robin Swann, is at the centre of such decision making and in normal…

The Shasta Piping Society commissioned this piobaireachd from Karen McCrindle Warren some time ago. Three artists have been solicited for commissioned work to commemorate historical events or persons with stories not often told.  Karen accepted and produced her work knowing the SPS’s goal of spreading piobaireachd to as many listeners and players as possible.  I knew Karen’s composing work from our writing contests and knew well her affection for the Lowlands…