Senior adjudicator Dr Jack Taylor has been in the southern hemisphere playing and judging in Australia and New Zealand. Here is his report….. The 43rd New Zealand Silver Chanter and Clasp Competitions were held Christchurch last weekend. They are run by the Highland Piping Society of Canterbury and are one of New Zealand’s three major annual events. In contrast to Scotland’s Clasp and Silver Chanter they are light music competitions….

By Dr Jack Taylor One hundred souls braved the pouring rain to listen to ceol mor in Edinburgh’s St Cecilia’s Hall on Sunday evening [Aug 11]. They were well rewarded. This is the second year of ‘Hidden Treasure’ organised by the Piobaireachd Society, and it will surely become an annual fixture.  It was a pleasure to listen to eight of the best tunes played by four of the best players and…

Dr Jack Taylor reports: Chilly day in Fochabers with a good standard of playing in seniors and juniors. Of the nine adults three were returning to competition after a break.  All played strongly, with Colin Gordon, librarian at the Gaelic college Sabhal Mor Ostaig, being overall champion, and Brad Davidson from Canada, after 24 years not playing, winning three prizes. Open Piobaireachd 1. John MacDonald (Tulloch Ard)2. Angus MacPhee (Blind Piper’s Obstinacy)3. Brad Davidson…

A report about Jimmy McIntosh’s annual competition held last Friday evening in Davidson, North Carolina, where there was a high standard in the piobaireachd with all nine players showing good musical understanding.  Firstly the results: Piobaireachd 1. Andrew Carlisle, Battle of Bealach nam Brog2. Derek Midgley, Lord Lovat’s Lament3. Nick Hudson, Rout of Glenfruin MSR1. Nick Hudson2. Derek Midgley 3. Andrew Carlisle  Hornpipe and Jig1. Derek Midgley2. Nick Hudson3. Dan Lyndon  It’s been…