Piper, folklorist, singer and teacher Andy Hunter is originally from Fife but now lives in Lorient in Brittany. He is a follower of Piping Press and was impressed by the recent tune, Spean Bridge to Achnacarry, by the Cameron brothers Sandy and Finlay, written in memory of the Commandos who trained in Lochaber during WW2. Andy writes…. By sheer coincidence, I composed a 9/8 march in tribute to the French…

In another devastating blow to the piping and pipe band season, the promoters of the Northern Meeting, one of the two top solo events in world piping, have, with reluctance, been forced to cancel their event for 2020. The Meetings, held every summer in Inverness, were due to take place on August 20/20. In a statement today they said: ‘This is to let you know that, with much regret, the…

In a statement issued this afternoon the board of Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the latest in the piping and pipe band calendar, have stated the following: ‘The Board of Cowal Highland Gathering has taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus situation. ‘Whilst we understand the decision is disappointing we feel it is the right one to protect the safety of…

Callum Wynd with Lachlan MacNeill Campbell of Kintarbert’s Fancy is the latest tune on the Piobaireachd Society’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/505347449507112/posts/3657045511003941/ The initiative, for PS members, began last week with President Robert Wallace playing part of Too long in This Condition and this was followed by Dr Peter McCalister with Lament for Patrick Og. Callum has nominated Dr John Frater to follow him. Membership of the Society is open to all…

Brittany’s Lorient Festival have issued a ‘show must go on’ message in face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement they say: ‘August needs to become the month of celebration and revival of enthusiasm! ‘Let’s celebrate together the 2020 festival, which opens the doors to the future. We welcome you with open arms to Lorient, the Interceltic capital!‘ Scottish organiser Tom Johnstone said: ‘Still all systems go for the 50th…