It is with sadness that we report the passing of Allan MacColl, the man who 25 years ago had the vision to revive the once grand Lochaber Gathering. Allan, who was 79, had been in failing health for several months. A lifelong lover of Gaelic, its language, song and poetry, Allan also had a passion for the great pipe and its music. Though he himself did not play, his son…

This is an online translation of the notice sent in French regarding the annual ‘Piobairecahd by the Sea’ event held in Brittany, France. ‘Very dear friends confined (but united by love for the most disturbing music). Like all Associations, we sail by sight … (normal in Cancale)but we hope that Pibroc’h en Bord de Mer 2020 will take place! ‘So write it down on your tablets: Third weekend in September(Saturday…

The World Online Piping & Drumming Championships for Spring 2020 is an exciting and fun way to compete against pipers and drummers from around the world, write the promoters. There’s no need for travel. You can compete from the comfort of your own home. Every competitor will have the opportunity to compete for the title of World Online Piping & Drumming Champion and the chance to win awards in several…

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…