Following our report from the Solo Judges Association last week we received this anonymous comment:
‘In your report on the judging of solo piping there is a reference that judges must not judge their pupils and I understand this has been extended to include genres of pipe music the judge may in fact not teach that individual.
‘It would appear that if she/he teaches him solely ceòl beag, she/he may not judge him in ceòl mòr either. However, there is no apparent reference to manufacturers of piping accessories judging their customers – customers whose successes can be used to promote their products. Given the tightening of rules in other areas this is surely something that cannot be ignored.’
Does our correspondent have a point? Can an adjudicator be truly objective about a piper’s sound when he knows someone is playing his chanter or his drone reeds, unconscious bias and all that?
We had similar comments in the bands a few years back when Bob Shepherd was accused of favouring those playing his reeds and chanters. Bob was adamant that he could justify every result he gave, but pipe bands being what they are, people still talked.
One answer is, of course, monitoring, something the RSPBA judges panel duly established. By keeping a tally of results and comments any pattern of partiality was/ is quickly spotted.
From what I hear pipers are more worried than ever about conflicts of interest and might welcome something similar in the solo world. Be interested to hear what people think. Please comment below.
Ian McLellan
A very dignified service for Ian at Glasgow Cathedral last Friday with a large gathering from the piping and pipe band worlds. The eulogy was read by his son-in-law John Wallace and he lightened the sad occasion with a story of Ian and Evelyn Glennie. The renowned percussionist came into the Band Room shop in Glasgow where Ian worked with Joe Noble. She asked about piping lessons:
Evelyn: ‘How much do you charge?’
Ian: ‘How much do you charge?’
Evelyn: ‘£40 and hour.’
Ian: ‘Oh, that’s what I charge too!’
Fifth Major
The RSPBA have come in for considerable criticism for their failure to secure a fifth major this past season, not least on these pages. So credit where it is due and a round of applause for Colin and Rachel and everyone at Washington Street Headquarters. They took the flak, got the heads down and got the UKs secured for Belfast next June 13. But don’t rest. Get the big five for ’27 and ’28 in the bag and we can all stand easy.
Diary Dates
The Pacific Rim Adult Solo Drumming will be held in the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Armoury in Vancouver, British Columbia, on February 21, 2026. This RSPBA sanctioned competition is a qualifier for the World Solo Drumming held in Glasgow each October.
The Victorian Pipers Association in Australia have announced another online competition for 2026. Entries open in January via the VPA website.
The Piobaireachd Society’s Archie Kenneth Quaich is on February 28 in the RSPS Rooms, Edinburgh.
Season Greetings
I hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas. Piping Press is on a break until Monday 29th. See you all then.
‘Highland Bagpipe Music’ by Donald Morrison – digital book
This book was first produced shortly before Donald died in 1988. Languishing out of print, it surfaced in 2021 following contact between Piping Press editor Robert Wallace and Donald’s daughter Sheona. Sheona agreed that it should be offered to the piping public once more at nominal cost, the aim being to preserve her father’s musical legacy. Donald Morrison was the complete piper a fine teacher, composer and soloist. He won the Gold Medal, the Bratach Gorm and many other top…
