The focus of the piping world is this morning on the island that gave so much to our music – Skye. The competition for the coveted Dunvegan Medal is already underway in the island’s capital, Portree, writes the Editor.
Twenty nine pipers have entered, each submitting four MacCrimmon piobaireachd of their own choice. The order of play is: Andrew Carlisle, Mike Fitzhenry, Steven Leask, Nick Hudson, Keith Bowes, Darach Urquhart, Alistair Brown, Seumas Eade, Anna Kummerlöw, Liam Nicolson, Cameron Macleod, Ed McIlwaine, Angus MacPhee, Fraser Allison, John McDonald, Callum Wynd, Christopher McLeish, Kyle Shead, Kyle Cameron, Eireann Iannetta-Mackay, Sandy Cameron, David Stulpner, Cameron May, Gordon Barclay, Andrew Ferguson, Piers Dover, Neil Smith, Andrew Smith.
The music is all taken from a list of MacCrimmon, or MacCrimmon related tunes. This guarantees a unique listening experience for the audience.
Also on today are the 6/8 March and Hornpipe and Jig competitions. This evening there is the Col. Jock MacDonald Clasp for former winners of the Dunvegan Medal. Here pipers are asked to submit four of the longer MacCrimmon pieces.
Tomorrow sees light music competitions for the Kemble Star for Marches and the Peter MacFarquhar Star for Strathspey & Reel as well as local competitions at the Games.
Piping Convenor Cameron MacFadyen: ‘I wish all competitors the very best of luck in today’s and tomorrow’s competitions. We have a strong entry in most events and listeners will be treated to some outstanding piping, of that I have no doubt.’
Tomorrow evening we have the Silver Chanter Recital/ Competition. This exclusive, invitational event takes place at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic College in Sleat, Skye, from 7pm. Entry is £10/ £5 at the door, and under 16s go free.
This will be the first staging of the competition since 2022. Last year the Piobaireachd Society stepped in to take over its running with generous financial assistance from the nearby Torabhaig Distillery and Sabhal Mòr itself.
Six pipers are invited to ‘the Chanter’ and these include the winners of both the Dunvegan Medal and the Col. Jock Clasp.
Stay tuned to Piping Press for all results from these important competitions.
