Since last week’s publication of our list, a number of new dates have been intimated to us. Not least this from Jackie Allan: ‘I thought you might like to have a bit of forward notice about the All England Championships that are run inside Chatsworth Country Fair over the weekend 30-31 August.
‘On the Saturday we run contests for Juveniles and CLASP amateurs. 2025 marks the inception of the newly formed English CLASP League, and Chatsworth will be the final event of the year at which overall placings will be decided. On the Sunday there is an Open Solo contest which attracts top competitors.
‘Many in the piping and pipe band community will be aware of the sad passing of Walter MacGregor in November last year. Walter had been pivotal to the organisation and growth of solo competitions at Chatsworth for a period of 15 years making it a significant event in the solo piping calendar. He will be sorely missed although his legacy will remain through the continuation of a high-quality event.
‘The professional piping competitions offer up to eight substantial prizes in each event with over £3,500 in prizemoney. There are Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey & Reel, 6/8 and Hornpipe & Jig contests. There is can additional prize of £200 for the Champion Piper.
‘Entries will open in June 2025 on the RSPBA London and South of England Branch website https://rspbalondon.org/. Any competitor registering an expression of interest earlier will be prioritised. Should numbers exceed those deemed manageable, a reserve list will be created.
‘Further information from the Chatsworth Solo Piping Coordinator, Roddy Livingstone roddy66@gmx.com, or from me jackie.allan613@gmail.com.’
Rannoch Games is a much smaller event. Regular Chris Wattiaux: ‘Could you also please mention the Rannoch Highland Gathering? It is on the 16/08/25 and suffers from being on the same day as the Worlds in Glasgow. It’s a friendly games with a piping competition (MSR, Slow Air & Jig).
‘There are very few competitors and I fear it could be cancelled in the future due to lack of attendance. The games can be contacted on rannochgathering@gmail.com.’
Here is our updated Guide to the Games list. For convenience we have included other summer solo piping competitions which fall outside the Highland Games category:
Oban Festival, May 3
Gordon Castle, May 18
Atholl Gathering, May 27
Markinch, June 1
Braemar Jnrs., June 7
Strathmore, June 8
Aberdeen, June 15
Ceres, June 28
Drumtochty, June 28
Kenmore, July 2
Luss, July 5
Forres, July 5
Inverness, July 12
North Uist, July 18
Tomintoul, July 19
Taynuilt, July 19
Stonehaven, July 20
Inveraray, July 22
South Uist, July 23
Young Piper, Benbecula, July 24
Mull, July 24
Airth, July 26
Lochearnhead, July 26
Halkirk, July 26
St Andrews, July 27
Arisaig, July 30
Dornoch, Aug 1
Dundonald, Ayr, Aug 2
Inverkeithing, Aug 2
Newtonmore, Aug 2
Aboyne, Aug 2
Castle of Mey, Aug 2
Mallaig&Morar, Aug 3
Skye Gath., Aug 5/6
Silver Chanter, Aug 6
Killin, Aug 6
Aberfeldy, Aug 9
Strathpeffer, Aug 9
Nethybridge, Aug 9
Tain, Aug 10
Ballater, Aug 14
Helmsdale, Aug 16
Nairn, Aug 16
Rannoch Aug 16
Glenfinnan, Aug 16
Crieff, Aug 17
Lonach, Aug 23
Strathardle, Aug 23
Glenurquhart, Aug 23
Argyllshire Gath., Aug 27/28
Lochaber Gathering, Aug 29
Chatsworth, Aug 30/31
Birnam, Aug 30
Braemar, Sept 6
Blairgowrie, Sept 7
Northern Meeting, Sept 11/12
Pitlochry, Sept 13
Bowhill, Sept 14
Feel free to screen shot the above dates as a handy reminder. Please support as many of them as you can. Further corrections and additions welcome. Please email to editor@pipingpress.com.
Hi Rab
Simply for information.Im sure there is a solo Piping Competition at Helensburgh Highland Games 7th June location Helensburgh Rugby Club.
There is also a solo competition on the 20th July again in Helensburgh at the Victoria Hall which replaces the one previously held at the Roseneath Games on the peninsula.