The revision of Piobaireachd Society books 1-16 has now been completed with many new settings added, corrections made and important anomalies highlighted, writes President Robert Wallace.
The Society’s General Committee appreciates that many pipers already have the old books. These are, of course, still perfectly reliable, especially if the changes as noted by Music Editor Jack Taylor are added to the relevant pages in hard copies. (Details are on the PS website news column here.)
That said, it was felt by the committee that those who already have the hard copies may also like to have a backup of the revised books in digital format for use on tablet computer. To encourage this, the committee has agreed a members-only £25 ($34US approx.) discount on the £100 charge for the complete set of digital books.
This offer lasts until February 28, 2026. It is only open to members and is not transferable. Non-members can avail themselves of it by joining the Society here and requesting the discount code by emailing president@piobaireachd.co.uk.
Annual Conference
Three young champion pipers have agreed to play at the Conference dinner on March 28: Eala Niamh McElhiney, Andrew Pattison and Arran Brown. They were all successful at the major events in 2025. At the conclusion of the dinner each will play an own choice march, strathspey and reel and a piobaireachd.
The Conference takes place at the Royal George Hotel, Perth, from March 27-29. Saturday’s papers are as follows:
Talk 1: 9.30 – 10.15am: ‘The Origins of Piobaireachd’ – Hugh Cheape, Peter McCalister
Talk 2: 10.45 – 11.30am: ‘Life and Music of Bill Livingstone’ – Michael Grey
Talk 3: 1.30 – 2.15pm: ‘Let Piobaireachd Flourish’ – John Mulhearn
Talk 4: 2.45 – 3.30pm: ‘100 Years of the Piobaireachd Society Collection’ – Jack Taylor, John Frater
A piobaireachd ceilidh will follow at 4-6pm with a black tie dinner 7 for 7.30pm. Check out the rooms and facilities at the hotel here. Prices for a single room for the full weekend are £240 and for a double £350. Day visit (includes lunch): £20. Book here.
Teachers & Judges
Honorary Treasurer Karen McCrindle Warren: As part of our grant funding terms, we ask that successful promoters of workshops and competitions consider hiring teachers and judges who are Society members, further enabling us to support our membership and adding to the prestige of any event. In order to simplify this process, we are compiling a list of teachers and judges for each area/country. This will be posted on our website. No personal details will be listed – event planners can reach out to us privately for contact details. Piobaireachd Society members who wish to be included on the list as either a teacher, a judge, or both, please email me at treasurer@piobaireachd.co.uk.
Talk Piobaireachd
The remaining dates for 25/26 season of online talks are Feb.18, Mar.18, and Apr.15. Times are 8pm GMT except April which is at 8pm BST (GMT+1). January’s talk was given by Music Editor Jack Taylor whose subjects were the laments for Lord and Lady Anapool. Members can catch up here. February’s talk will be by Music Committee member Jack Lee who will discuss the Earl of Seaforth’s Salute and the King’s Taxes.
Diary Dates
Archie Kenneth Quaich, RSPS Rooms, Edinburgh: February 28
Annual Conference, Royal George Hotel, Perth: March 27-29
AGM (online): April 12, 7pm (GMT+1)
PS Summer School, Skye: May 31 – June 5
Silver Chanter, Skye: August 5
St Cecilia’s Recital, Edinburgh: August 9
Classic Piobaireachd (Vol.3 M-Y): Lessons on Great Tunes
Another batch of the great tunes from the ceol mor canon. As before, each tune is played in full, without interruption, on the practice chanter by piobaireachd Gold Medallist Robert Wallace. This means that the student can play along whilst following the music and learn the subtle phrasing and expression so important in this music. There is no assertion that this is the only way to play these tunes. Need sheet music? All tunes available from the Piobaireachd Society shop https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/shop
