The Piobaireachd Society has formally announced details of its 2026 Annual Conference. It will be held in the Royal George Hotel, Perth, from March 27-29.
The conference features four presentations: ‘The Life and Music of Bill Livingstone’ by Michael Grey, Ontario, the ‘Origins of Piobaireachd’ by Dr Hugh Cheape and Dr Peter McCalister, ‘Let Piobaireachd Flourish’, a look at ceòl mòr from a Glasgow perspective by John Mulhearn, and ‘100 Years of the Piobaireachd Society Collection’, presented by Dr Jack Taylor and Dr John Frater.
Other features of the weekend are the members’ piobaireachd ceilidh, held from 4-6pm on the Saturday and the black tie dinner in the evening. Three outstanding young pipers have been invited to play an MSR and a piobaireachd at the end of the meal.
The conference is open to all, members and non-members alike. Prices range from £20 for day visitors (this includes lunch), to £350 for a double room, two nights B&B plus Saturday lunch and dinner for two. Bookings and more details here.
Juvenile Contest
The RSPBA’s Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch are holding their annual Graeme Johnston Memorial Contest on Saturday 24th January. The venue is RSPBA HQ in Washington Street, Glasgow.
There is a new practice chanter contest for 2026. Entrants play a two-part march. The two other contests are: 14 & Under MSR (four-part march, two-part strathspey and reel on pipes), and 15-18 four-part minimum MSR on pipes.
The winner of the 14 & Under receives a trophy and a set of McCallum pipes. Previous winners ineligible for pipes. Entries close January 18; entry form here.
‘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…
