Editor’s Notebook: Solo Judging/ NM and AG Entries/ Stuart CD/ Clan Donald Lands/ Drumming Masters

Judge Neil Mulvie has responded to our recent debate on solo benches, one of the few brave enough to put his head above the parapet on this issue. Neil writes:

‘Not all those who have competed at the highest level make good judges. Some are biased/unethical, some are limited in their wider knowledge, some lack basic analytical skills, some can’t separate the good from the bad and the ugly, some cannot get beyond isolated notes and take a holistic view, and some don’t have the strength of character to argue their case with other judges.

‘As one example in the public domain (written about by Jimmy MacIntosh and Norman Matheson), RB Nicol Gold Medallist, etc., judging at Braemar (?) excluded one competitor after one bar of playing because the timing of that bar did not mirror the way that Nicol had been taught.

‘See this clip in which Jimmy MacIntosh talks about this incident. Interestingly others players from the same school timed the bar in question differently. How confident would a competitor feel about being judged fairly by that sort of judge?

‘Clearly, experience of playing at a high level and technical ability are not enough to make a good judge. Soft skills are also important.’

Agreed Neil, but having been successful at the highest level should surely be the entry point for judging at the highest level. The additional qualities you mention should also be non-negotiable. A suitable probationary period allows the expert piper, new to the bench, time to gain experience and acquire these vital additional skills.

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Oban & Inverness
Entries for the Argyllshire Gathering (August 26/27) and the Northern Meeting (September 3/4) close at midnight tomorrow (January 31st). This is for all senior competitions. There will be no late entries allowed I am told.

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Stuart CD
Following the review this week, Stuart Liddell tells me that his latest CD ‘Garron’ is named after his house and adjacent river near Inveraray (Gearr Abhainn in the Gaelic according to the Ordnance Survey). It’s a tradition with him. His last recording – several years ago – was called Inveroran after the old Highland inn, his humble abode at that time.

Band wise Stuart says Inveraray will miss the UK Championship in Ulster on June 13. They’ve already signed up for a gig in Chicago where they are guest band at a games with a concert the night before.

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Sleat Estate
I see that the Clan Donald Estate in Sleat, Skye, has been sold for circa. £10m. The buyer, according to the papers, is a Swiss-based Canadian family. Here’s a clipping which I trust you can read:

I just hope the new proprietor can maintain the standards and responsibilities to the local community established by the previous owner – and that the Clan Donald Centre’s museum and its important piping artefacts are preserved in their current state.

I’ll be able to check things out when we’re up in Skye for the annual Piobaireachd Society Summer School (May 31 -June 5) at Sabhal Mòr.

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Masters Drumming
Big day in Glasgow tomorrow (Jan 31) for the drummers. The Masters Championship is being held in the Centre for Contemporary Arts on Sauchiehall Street. Most of the top leading tips are taking part with the notable exception of current World Champion Kerr McQuillan of Boghall who has a prior engagement.

The important thing here for pipers is that from the prize pot of £1700 there will be money for the winning accompanists! The host is the personable Craig Muirhead, the well known solo piper and member of Inveraray PB.

The contest runs from 11am until 3pm. Here’s the draw for the double MSR: 11:00 Steven McWhirter; 11:10 Craig Lawrie; 11:20 Willie Glenholmes; 11:30 Glen Creighton; 11:40 Andrew Lawson; 11:50 Alex Buchanan; 12:00 Stephen Creighton; 12:10 Jake Jørgensen

Same batting order for the Medley beginning at 12.55. The judges are all top men in the field: Arthur Cook, Gordon Lee and Steve Nelson for the MSR, and Mick O’Neill, Eric Ward and Barry Wilson for the Medley. I hope the £32 admission price doesn’t put people off. Tickets here.

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