Tonight Inverness Piping Society welcomes both Angus MacColl Snr. and Jnr. for the third recital of the season, writes Les Hutt.
From his success in the Young Piper of the Year at Blair Castle in 1984, Angus Snr. has been one of the most consistent of the top pipers over the past 40 years.
His successes make remarkable reading including five Clasps to the Highland Society of London Gold Medal, three triumphs in the Former Winners MSR and 11 wins in the Hornpipe and Jig, all at the Northern Meeting.
Many other results can be added, such as a similar track record at the Argyllshire Gathering, to say the least. In addition Angus has played a pivotal role in the development of teaching at Oban High School Pipe Band, continuing the traditions of piping in Argyll.
This evening Angus will be joined by his son Angus J MacColl, a highly talented piper in his own right, competing in the Gold Medal with success in the A grade light music contests.
The evening will be started by a quartet from the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band. Tickets £5/£15 at the door or here.
Pipe Idol
This U21 competition returns to Piping Live this summer. Young solo pipers compete for a set of Fred Morrison Reel Pipes. Pictured below with Fred is Alex Pavlovic winner of the 2025 event. There are four heats 10th to 13th August, with the final taking place on the last day.
Each day’s winner is chosen by a panel of judges hidden in the crowd. To enter, pipers must submit an audition video. Those selected to take part are asked to perform a hornpipe and jig, an MSR and a medley. Application deadline May 1st. Application form here. More information: contact@pipinglive.co.uk.
Kiwi Successes
The annual report of Comunn na Piobaireachd, New Zealand, has recorded the following 2025 successes by his member pipers:
Lorient: Stuart Easton 1st; CPA Bronze Medal: Callum Carn 1st; Argyllshire Gathering: Brendon Eade 2nd Gold Medal; Maggie McConnochie 2nd MacGregor Memorial; Northern Meeting: Maggie McConnochie 1st U18; Airth Games: Campbell Wilson 1st, Callum Carn 3rd; Mallaig and Morar: Piers Dover 1st, Campbell Wilson 2nd; Dundonald: Campbell Wilson 2nd; Blairgowrie: Willie Rowe 2nd Open, Callum Carn 3rd B Grade; Inveraray: Callum Carn 1st B grade; Newtonmore: Callum Carn 3rd; Taynuilt: Callum Carn 2nd; Royal National Mòd, Lochaber: Callum Carn 4th B Grade; Adelaide: Martin Frewen 1st Clasp, Maggie McConnochie 1st Silver Medal.
‘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…
