The Silver Chanter trophy is now safely ensconced in its new home at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on the isle of Skye.
In the photograph Robert Wallace, President of the Society and the new promoters of the recital/competition, is pictured handing the trophy over to Dr J Decker Forrest of Sabhal Mòr.
The chanter will be housed in a display cabinet at the college library/museum with accompanying photographs and a suitable legend about the iconic event’s history.
This year’s recital/competition is the 56th since it began in 1967. It will take place on August 7th at the College and is sponsored by Torabhaig malt whisky and the Society.
Invited pipers are selected from the previous year’s winners at the Skye Gathering, Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meeting. 2024 pipers are Sarah Muir (third place Col. Jock MacDonald Clasp), Fred Morrison (Dunvegan Medal), Innes Smith (NM Gold Medal), Angus MacColl (AG Snr. Piob.), Derek Midgley (Col. Jock Clasp) and Alasdair Henderson (AG Gold Medal).
Each will submit four of the best MacCrimmon piobaireachd. They will be given their tune on the night and the story behind each will be explained to the audience by Dr Forrest.
The tunes submitted by the pipers are: Lament for the Earl of Antrim, the Battle of Waternish, Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay, Lament for the Children, Lament for MacLeod of Colbeck, I Gave a Kiss to the King’s Hand, the Earl of Ross’s March, Lament for Patrick Og MacCrimmon, Lament for Mary MacLeod and Mrs MacLeod of Talisker’s Salute.
The adjudicator for the evening is Robert Wallace and the stewards are Darach Urquhart and Iain T Cameron of the Society’s General Committee. They will conduct the draw for order of play.
There is a celebratory meal before the recital/ competition when the draw will be made.
The Silver Chanter is a black tie event (for participants) and will be recorded for transmission via the Society’s website. The time is 7 for 7.30pm and admission is £10/£5. A special programme has been printed.
Robert Wallace said: ‘The audience will hear some of the greatest tunes ever made for the bagpipe.
‘This is music that was brought to perfection in the far north west of the island of Skye and it is fitting that it will be once more heard and played by master pipers on its home island.
‘The Society is delighted to be able to promote the Silver Chanter in association with Torabhaig, the Skye distillery which has done so much for Gaelic culture and piping, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.’
