Focus of World Piping now on Argyllshire Gathering/ CLASP League Winners

After a huge week in the pipe band world our focus now turns to a huge week in the solo piping world, namely the Argyllshire Gathering In Oban.

Piobaireachd competitions are underway for Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Senior Piobaireachd and MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd.

These exclusive events are restricted to either the top pipers in their category or those who have qualified from previous success. Any prize is a significant achievement; a first prize changes the course of every pipers’ career.

When the light music is over there is the Former Winners’ March Strathspey and Reel contest for the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society Silver Star, the highest ceòl beag award in the world.

Games Day (August 22) follows the indoor competitions, with the winner of the Gold Medal leading the pipers to the games at Mossfield Park for the remaining light music competitions.

These are A and B Grade March and Strathspey and Reel, Open Jig, Intermediate MSR for the RG Hardie Trophy, and local and junior piping. Winners of the A Grade qualify for the Former Winners in 2025.

The AG committee has reverted to tradition by re-establishing the majority of the light music competitions on the main games field rather than in an adjacent park.

Check out the draws here. Stay tuned to Piping Press for the results as they come in.

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CLASP Results

Margaret Houlihan reports: The Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers (CLASP) runs from August to July, with the World Amateur Solos at Piping Live kicking off the season and Inveraray Games concluding it each year.

The 2023/2024 league winners were: Grade 1 – Eddie Boland (Eire); Grade 2 – John Nevans (Scotland); Grade 3 – Adam Aitchison (Scotland); Grade 4 – Steve Langford (USA)

The league table takes in all in-person competitions, online competitions and outdoor Highland Games. The overall winners are determined by points gained throughout the season in grade 1, 2, 3 & 4. The overall league winners are presented with clasps to mark their league win.