History: The Kilberry Pipers – Part 2

Below are extracts from the diaries of John Campbell of Kilberry, father of Archibald Campbell. They have been reproduced here by kind permission of John Campbell of Kilberry, the current Piping Convenor for the Argyllshire Gathering. They show the extraordinary lengths the family went to support and promote piping. It was at John Campbell’s instigation that the piobaireachd Society was formed and his son and grandson, Archibald and James, went…

Outcomes from the Latest RSPBA Board of Directors Meeting

Take aways from the recent RSPBA Board of Directors meeting….. The association has formed a group to examine ways of reducing the time it takes for the March Past and prize announcements at contests, particularly the Majors. BoD have agreed that at the World Championship all qualifying announcements will held at the Needle on Glasgow Green.  Former Chairman Kevin Reilly will continue his involvement within the 850th celebrations for Glasgow…

Readers Respond to Peter MacLeod Reel Query/ Scots Guards KO Date Change/ Talk Piobaireachd

Dougie Pincock: ‘That Peter MacLeod reel [above] is known nowadays as The Highlanders’ Institute. It appears under that name in the ‘Bicentennial Collection’ of the music of both Peter MacLeods Snr. and Jnr. published in the USA by Donald Varella. ‘I learned the tune from Pipe Major Iain MacDonald of Neilston, and played it in the Glasgow folk group Kentigern in the late ’70s/early ’80s. Iain might well have had…

Online Entries Open for 2025 Argyllshire Gathering/ Graeme Johnston Results

The 2025 Argyllshire Gathering takes place on August 27th and 28th and pipers can now enter online via the Gathering’s updated website. The closing date for all competitions, Senior Piobaireachd and Former Winners’ MSR included, is January 31st and no late entries will be accepted. In years past, senior competitions, given the lower numbers and automatic qualification, have not required this stipulation. Entry fees of £50 must be paid by…

Draw for London Championship Announced

The 84th Annual Championship promoted by the Scottish Piping Society of London will be held this weekend, the Bratach Gorm on Friday, November 15 at 5pm, and the remainder of the competitions the following day beginning 9am. The venue is the Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, Belgravia. Admission for spectators is £25 for the Friday evening and £30 for both days. The Caledonian Club dress code prohibits jeans, trainers, and…