This is an online translation of the notice sent in French regarding the annual ‘Piobairecahd by the Sea’ event held in Brittany, France. ‘Very dear friends confined (but united by love for the most disturbing music). Like all Associations, we sail by sight … (normal in Cancale)but we hope that Pibroc’h en Bord de Mer 2020 will take place! ‘So write it down on your tablets: Third weekend in September(Saturday…

The World Online Piping & Drumming Championships for Spring 2020 is an exciting and fun way to compete against pipers and drummers from around the world, write the promoters. There’s no need for travel. You can compete from the comfort of your own home. Every competitor will have the opportunity to compete for the title of World Online Piping & Drumming Champion and the chance to win awards in several…

Piper, folklorist, singer and teacher Andy Hunter is originally from Fife but now lives in Lorient in Brittany. He is a follower of Piping Press and was impressed by the recent tune, Spean Bridge to Achnacarry, by the Cameron brothers Sandy and Finlay, written in memory of the Commandos who trained in Lochaber during WW2. Andy writes…. By sheer coincidence, I composed a 9/8 march in tribute to the French…

PP Lockdown Challenge…Friend and composer Eddie McGuire read of the request for paintings and artwork and reminded me of this drawing by artist John Gahagan. It’s not for the competition but might inspire someone. Eddie writes: ‘I see that you are putting up artwork featuring pipers. Here’s the excellent drawing that John Gahagan did for the front cover of the music I wrote for the Glasgow arts festival ‘Mayfest’ in…

Can anything be salvaged from the 2020 piping season? It remains to be seen whether Oban, Braemar (above) and Skye will follow the trail of cancellation evidenced yesterday by the not wholly unexpected call offs from the Northern Meeting and Cowal, writes the Editor. I hope the remaining gatherings can, at least for now, resist the temptation of making too early a decision. All of the competing pipers I have…