A highlight of Worlds Week is always the band concert on the Wednesday night. This year Shotts & Dykehead are on stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Aug 13).
As expected, the concert is a sell-out and such is the paucity of briefs the band have issued a plea to those who have bought tickets but who now discover they can’t manage.
In statement Shotts say: ‘We have been receiving an overwhelming amount of messages in regards to any spare tickets for our ‘Solas’ concert.
‘We don’t have any spare unfortunately; however if there are some who can’t make it for whatever reason please message us and we will try our best to re-allocate and get everyone accommodated.’ Message the band via their Fb page here.
Well done to P/M Emmet Conway and his team and to everyone at Glasgow Skye, the promoters. Looking forward to what will be a great night.
PS Recital
What a superb evening of piobaireachd we had at St Cecilia’s Hall in Edinburgh on Sunday. The pipers Brodie Watson-Massey, John McDonald and Alasdair Henderson excelled themselves in front of a crowd of 94 listeners in the 200-seater hall.
This the most the Piobaireachd Society has ever had at its annual concert and it just shows you that if the venue is right, the prices are right, the musicians are right then people will come. We write classical pipe music off at our peril!
There were those in the audience from France, Germany, the US, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Italy as well as all over the UK. The pipers play in continuous fashion with no tuning in the room and this is greatly appreciated by everyone.
We’ll have recordings on the PS website very soon but here is a short clip from the night:
- There’s more piobaireachd at the Edinburgh Fringe tonight and tomorrow night (Aug 12 &13). The venue is the artSpace@StMarks (EH1 2DP). James MacDonald Reid will present the Highland folktale surrounding the Desperate Battle of the Birds. Music illustrations from Cameron May. Tickets at the door 8pm.
Tutors Wanted
Jonathon Simpson: ‘We have two job vacancies at The Edinburgh Academy, for a snare drumming instructor (a full time, permanent, salaried post) and for a bass and tenor instructor (a self-employed position) to join our department comprising Pipe Major Alastair Tripney, Iain Simpson and myself. Further details: https://jobsearch.edinburghacademy.org.uk/ Our Human Resources email is humanresources@edinburghacademy.org.uk should prospective candidates have any questions.’
Paul White: ‘City of Edinburgh Pipe Band has announced its intention to appoint a new Leading Drummer, following Simon Grant’s decision to stand down after the Worlds. All of us at the band would like to thank Simon for his six years of commitment and dedication.
‘There is now an opportunity for the right person to join a determined and highly focused outfit. Candidates should send a CV and supporting statement to P/M Clunie at kellock123@btinternet.com. For an informal discussion about the position contact P/M Clunie via the band’s Facebook page. Deadline is 14 September 2025.’
The City of Edinburgh band practices in Danderhall, Gilmerton and Gorgie and enjoys the generous sponsorship of Unison Lothian Health Branch.
Fintan Lalor
Following our story on Cowal Medals, Patrick Byrne has sent this picture and writes: ‘The picture is of Fintan Lalor Pipe Band, Dublin, who would have received Argyll Shield medals in 1937. These men lead the way to the great success Irish pipe bands enjoy today.’
No doubt about it Patrick, as did Robert Armstrong, St Pat’s Donaghmore and others.
Lorient Bands
It seems Lorient have replaced their band contest with a parade nomination of the champion band. Lorient judge William Garret has sent extracts from a publicity notice: ‘Grand Spectacle des Bagadou, Trophy Polig Monjarret. Top Class Bagadou….audience nominated winner of the trophy will be invited etc, etc….’
I’m sorry, but this sort of beauty pageant in no way replaces a proper bagad competition and Breton bands should refuse to take part in it. I hope the promoters have a re-think for 2026. Incidentally the dates for next year are July 31 to August 9 so a clash with the Worlds will be avoided once more.
Bagpiper’s Handbook – Handy Maintenance Tips
A concise yet complete handbook for all pipers. Learn how to tie in a stock, adjust your reeds, test your bag and much, much more. A handy size, the book can be kept in the pipe case for easy reference. The book comes complete with a set of video instructions which help explain each lesson. Access them: here.
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