A new ‘Glass Chanter’ trophy has been announced for the champion piper at the North of Scotland’s Highland Games. The new trophy replaces an earlier version which has gone missing.
Mrs Jean Cameron, the woman behind the idea, said, ‘The Glass Chanter has been designed by Glasstom Studios of Tain. The trophy has been funded by Mr Andrew Grant McKenzie, of the firm Highland Historian.
‘It will be awarded on a perpetual basis to the piper with the most points accumulated at the following games: Inverness (July 13, 2024), Durness (July 26), Halkirk (July 27), Dornoch (Aug.2), Assynt (Aug.9), Strathpeffer (Aug.10), Tain (Aug.11), Helmsdale (Aug.17), and Glenurquhart Games (Aug.24). In the event of a tie, most points in piobaireachd will count.’
The new trophy has the inscription ‘Champion Piper, North Highland Games Circuit’. Jean, who stewards at three of the above games, researched the previous glass chanter which was awarded till the early 2000s. She is pictured with Andrew and the new trophy.
Over on the Western Isles games organisers have created three days of continuous piping by linking South Uist Games, Benbecula Young Piper, and North Uist Games on consecutive days.
South Uist Games piping competitions will take place on Askernish Machair on July 17th, 2024. For further information email southuistgames@gmail.com or contact Margaret Mary Findlay on 07742101007.
The Young Piper of the Year competition is the following day on Thursday 18th July. For further information email youngpiperoftheyearcompetition@gmail.com or contact Chrissie Mary Beaton on 07494054619. Venue is Linaclete School, Benbecula. For pipers 30 and under.
North Uist Games are on Friday 19th July at Balelone Farm. For further information contact Ashley MacDonald on 07919 101011 or email ash_la@hotmail.co.uk.
