We now have recordings all three prize-winning tunes from our John Cruickshank VC composing competition. In first place was Dave Mason, Cincinnati, Ohio: In second place we had a tune from P/M Gordon Walker: In third place was a composition from young professional piper John Dew: The competition drew a wide entry from around the world. A distinguished panel of experts narrowed dozens of tunes down to three and came…

Dr Peter McCalister reports: Twenty-six pipers played at this ever-popular amateur piobaireachd contest, including pipers who travelled from Singapore, North America, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, England and of course Scotland. The judges were Patricia Henderson and Donald MacPhee.  The winner (for the 4th time) was Tom Peterkin playing Melbank’s Salute.  2nd prize: Andrew Park playing Battle of Auldearn No. 2 3rd prize: John Forbes playing The Lament for Sir James…

The rescheduled Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia’s Annual Junior Piping and Drumming competition was held yesterday, February 23, in the town’s Calderhead High School. There was a strong entry partiucularly in the Under 15 category. Judges reported a high standard in all events with good instruments and strong technique to the fore in the piping competitions. In a nod to the environment the organisers chose not to print their competition programme…

There’s still time for Juvenile and Novice Juvenile bands to apply for grants from the RSPBA’s National Juvenile Pipe Band Fund. The final decision on the 2018 awards will be made at a separate meeting with Finance Convenor Kenny Crothers at the Association’s AGM on March 9. Under fund rules bands which received donations in 2017 are ineligible for one year. But bands in receipt of payments before then can…

North Lanarkshire Schools’ Pipe Bands are taking part in National Tartan Day in New York this April and have launched a fundraising appeal to help towards equipment and travel costs. Pupils, parents and staff have already raised thousands of pounds through a range of activities but are hoping that a wider appeal will add to this amount. Sir Billy Connolly will lead the April 6 parade as Grand Marshal with…