The Bratach Gorm piobaireachd competition was held last night (Nov 1) – the first time on a Friday. The venue was the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, London, and a good crowd supported the event run by the Scottish Piping Society of London and sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society. Unfortunately, to the general disgruntlement of the audience, the results were witheld until the prizegiving later today. Ten pipers entered; nine played; seven…

Today, with the Bratach Gorm taking place this evening in London, we thought it apposite to look back several decades, to 1972 to be precise, to see how the contest went on that occasion. This report is from the Oban Times of November that year and was by John MacFadyen (left). Yet again we see the historical value of written reports on piping. There is poignant mention of Jimmy Hardie…

The people have spoken. MacStig stays in Grade 2. Our poll of a week or so ago asked the question: ‘What Should MacStig Cover in the 2020 Pipe Band Season?’ Answers on offer were: ‘Stick with Grade 2; we love him’; ‘Yes, send him to Grade 3A’; Put him on Grade 1, anything’s better than the current drivel’; ‘Sack him he’s rubbish’; ‘Who is he anyway?’ The outcome: In response…

The Piobaireachd Society has announced that individual hard copies of its celebrated collection of Books 1-16 are now available to its 700 members at a reduced rate. The books currently retail at £15 ($20US approx.). Members can buy them on the PS site for £12.50 ($16 approx.). The books are now in a new, more convenient A4 size (close to US letter) and include the currently out of print editions…

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2019 is Finlay Johnston, successfully defending his 2018 title. He was placed second in ceol mor and second in MSR to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Connor Sinclair in his first appearance at this competition, with Glenn Brown in third. The annual competition was held as usual in the Great Hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. Those unable to travel to the event were able to…