The Argyllshire Gathering Piping Competitions take place in Oban, Argyll, on Wednesday 26 August and Thursday 27 August 2026. Entries are now open here.
The website reads: ‘The Competition features two days of piping excellence, with over 200 pipers from across the globe competing in this, the world’s foremost solo piping competition.’
Pipers are encouraged to enter now but their eligibility and acceptance will only be decided early in the new year. It is expected there will be a maximum of 25 in the Gold and Silver Medals.
Set Tunes
The Music Committee of the Piobaireachd Society has intimated a slight change to the 2026 Silver Medal list of set tunes. The committee has recommended that the Campbell Canntaireachd setting of the Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg can be played but with newly scored variations. The CC version of the tune only has a ground and doubling. Here is a copy of the complete, augmented setting:
The full lists of set tunes is available here.
Florida Pipe & Drum Academy
The teaching lineup for the 2026 Academy has been finalised, writes Principal Chris McKeown. For piping we have Robert Wallace, Barry Donaldson, Matt Pantaleoni and Bill Caudill. In charge of snares is Stephen Creighton of St Lawrence O’Toole. On bass and tenor we have Fergus Bryce of Inveraray Pipe Band, the current world champions.
The Academy will be held in the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida, February 22-27.
The 2026 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is an all inclusive bagpiping and drumming school taught by world renowned instructors. This year’s academy is being held at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center located in St John’s Florida which is just outside of Jacksonville.
Located along the St John’s River, this beautiful venue offers breathtaking views and a peaceful campus which includes top notch lodging and dining which are included in your tuition. After hours, you’ll have continued access to the instructors for evening workshops and fellowship around the fire pit! There is even a covered dock on the river where sessions can be held weather permitting. Come join us! Sign up here.
