We are grateful to the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association for the bulk of this list of events this summer. It may not be comprehensive and if any reader knows of an event that has been missed, or any updates, please forward details.
To pipers we say get out and support these contests, especially the non-graded ones. Graded events are well subscribed and often have to cap their list. Entries at Inveraray are already closed.
Yes, at the others you may not get grading points if you are successful, but you will get a run at your tunes, you will get a chance to play under pressure, and you will get the chance to enjoy your music in the open air in some of the best scenic situations in the country. Moreover, play well and your cachet will increase among the influential judging cadre.
Finally, you will be supporting a fine Scottish tradition only made possible by the hard work of volunteers from all over the country who give freely of their time.
To promoters we say please try to make benches available for the paying public. They may only sit for an hour or so, or even less, but the time that they spend listening to the pipers will be rewarding for them, especially if they are from abroad and are curious about the music.
Also, please remember to send Piping Press your results along with a photograph if you can. Successful pipers like nothing better than seeing themselves in the media with your trophies. Here’s the email: editor@pipingpress.com . So to our list:
May
17th: Gordon Castle, Fochabers; Jnr./ Snr. solos; website
24th: Atholl Gathering; Jnr./ Snr. solos; all grades, all genres; entries close May 10
30th: Blackford, Perthshire; junior piping and practice chanter only; entries
June
6th: Braemar Juniors; jnr. piping only; entry by donation here
7th: Markinch; entry on field; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R
14th: Strathmore, Glamis Castle, Angus; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
21st: Aberdeen; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
27th: Ceres, Fife; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
27th: Drumtochty, Aberdeenshire; light music only; entries on field
July
1st: Kenmore, Perthshire; U21 solos only; entry on field; light music
4th: Luss, Loch Lomond; Jnr./ Snr. solos+ local; P, M,S&R; entry on field
4th: Forres; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
11th: Inverness; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
17th: North Uist; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
18th: Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
18th: Taynuilt, Argyllshire; Jnr./ Snr. solos; P, M,S&R; entry on field
19th: Stonehaven; bands and solos; Pipe Bands, Jnr./ Snr. solos+ local; entry on field
21st: Inveraray; graded; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entries closed; email
22nd: South Uist: Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field
23rd: Tobermory, Mull; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field
24th: Durness, Sutherland; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field
25th: Halkirk, Caithness; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field
25th: Airth; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field before 11am
25th: Lochearnhead; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field
26th: St Andrews, Fife; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field; light music only
28th: Arising; Jnr./ Snr. solos; entry on field
- August and September details to follow. If you wish an easy reference copy of the above you can download a PDF here.
- All pipe band competitions on the RSPBA website here.
- Visit the Royal Scottish Games Association website for more details on start times, parking and tickets.
- Additional or missing information to the editor.
