MacGregor Memorial Finalists Announced

Twenty-seven young pipers aged under 22 entered for the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd competition promoted by the Highland Society of London and run by the Argyllshire Gathering.

The competition is one of the most prestigious professional competitons for young pipers in the world. The winner is usually given entry into the Silver Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering.

Judging for the 2021 MacGregor was completed last weekend. This is the second year in which the competition has taken place by video submission.

The eight young pipers selected for the final by judges William McCallum and Roderick MacLeod, from a strong home and international field, are:

Bobby Allen, Chryston – The Lament for the Viscount of Dundee 

Alistair Bevan, Abbotsford, British Columbia – The MacKay’s Banner

Callum Bevan, Abbotsford, British Columbia – MacLeod’s Salute

Hamish Drennan, Drumnadrochit – The Red Speckled Bull


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Luke Kennedy, Strathaven – Lady MacDonald’s Lament 

Cameron May, Lesmahagow – The King’s Taxes

Anna Smart, Auchtermuchty – Lament for the Iolaire 

Brodie Watson-Massey, Edinburgh – The Rout of the Lowland Captain 

Recordings of these successful tunes can be heard on the Argyllshire Gathering website here.

The eight pipers will go forward to a final, again by video submission, to be judged by Murray Henderson and Dr Angus MacDonald. The pipers will be given a different tune to play from the four already submitted.

The final result will be announced on August 25th. Prizemoney is 1st £100, 2nd £75, 3rd £50, and 4th £40.

The judges in the qualifier both spoke of the high standard of play with some outstanding performances.


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