Congratulations to Inveraray after their big win at the Scottish last Saturday. It was a much-needed triumph for the band with only three weeks to the Worlds. I’m told that they had a few of their leading players back in the ranks after their rather ring-rusty performance at the Euros at Perth.
It’s clearly all to play for among the top outfits, stating the obvious I know, but with the first four majors going to different bands (two to Field Marshal, one to Shotts, one to Inveraray) true nevertheless. There are others in the mix too don’t forget.
Boghall won one of the disciplines last Saturday (MSR), and Fife Police continue to make progress on the inside rail. SLOT are never far away and won the drumming at the Scottish. And rule SFU out at your peril. I’ve been listening to Alan Bevan’s band online and they are going to make serious waves if the internet recordings are anything to go by.
Remember, sixteen judges at the Worlds, four legs. Who’s your money on?
G2 Worlds Qualifier
Correspondent Ian Forbes: It’s interesting to note that we are witnessing exactly the same discussion about a Grade 2 qualifier that we saw approximately 10-15 years ago for the then controversial Grade 1 qualifier.
Everyone hated it. The bands that do not qualify, especially the overseas bands, are bitterly disappointed. The Grade 1 qualifier was discontinued after much criticism (NB: It was at a time when there were many more Grade 1 bands, and it was based on an MSR and Medley performance.)
With Grade 2 this year, a band that finishes 7th in one of the qualifying heats based on a single performance, loses the opportunity to finish in a higher position in the final, based on a combined MSR and Medley performance. There must be a better way forward.
Agreed Ian. Not a good prospect for overseas bands that have spent thousands getting here.
Games News
The games at Nethybridge, scheduled for August 8th, have been cancelled due to the wildfires in the nearby Cairngorm National Park. Also off the slate are Dornoch Games, Aug. 7, where police are looking at alleged financial irregularities.
At Aboyne Convenor Charles Dunbar writes: ‘A gentle reminder to those yet to submit their entry for the piping events please could you submit your entry before tomorrow, Wednesday 29th July (games day is the 1st August). Whilst we will accept registrations on the day, it makes it far easier for organisers if players could register in advance. Events commence at 10:30am. Looking forward to a great day.’
Arisaig Games are tomorrow (July 29) on the beautiful west coast. Forecast is not great but as someone once said, the sun always shines on the white sands of Morar. Juniors and Seniors, entry on field, P/M/S&R, and good prizes.
Still on the West Coast, convenor Allan MacKenzie, has sent us the poster for the Mallaig & Morar Games:
Enjoyed a good music session with Allan last weekend in the Glenuig Inn.
Dr Colin Mackenzie has sent this re Killin Games: ‘The entry forms and details can be found here. Judges are Robert Barnes, Barry Donaldson, Lewis Barclay, Jimmy Banks, Ronnie McShannon and Peter Hunt. All competitors pay admission to the park and this then gains entry to the competitions. All competitors must report to the Piping Convenor by 9:45am. Open piping (P, M, S&R, J – four prizes in each), and U18 & U14. Postal entries to Dr MacKenzie at Beinn Leathan, Pier Road, Killin FK21 8TL or email ‘
Lochaber Entry
Chairman of Lochaber Piping Society, James Rosie: ‘We have released the entry form for the 2026 Lochaber Gathering. Entry numbers will be capped and entries decided by ballot using an on-line random number generator.
‘Entries close Friday, July 31st. We will contact entrants as soon as the entry list is finalised to let them know if they have been successful. At this point we will request an entry fee of £25. If your entry is unsuccessful, you will not be asked to pay the fee, though you will be asked if you wish your name to be added to a reserve list.’ Junior entries here; senior here.
Glasgow Police Request
Reader Kenny Lawrie, son of Angus Lawrie, the late composer and member of Glasgow and Strathclyde Police Pipe Bands, writes: ‘I’m just over from Australia for the summer. I was just wondering if you knew where I might find a vinyl copy of the City of Glasgow Police Pipe Band in Copenhagen?
‘I seem to remember you used a snapshot from the cover of the vinyl record for one issue of the Piping Times. My dad had a good laugh at the ‘police posers’ caption! I’m keen to find a copy of the cover at least, as I hope to use it in the book of music I’m still compiling.
‘I’ve been looking on Discogs and Amazon for some time now without success. Any suggestions welcomed!’
If anyone can help Ken please contact him here.
A superb digital book of pipe music… click on pic to order
Order by clicking on picture…