Thousands were regaled in the SSE Arena, Belfast, this weekend by the rousing pageantry of the Belfast International Tattoo. Over 600 local, national and international artistes, with hundreds of sets of bagpipes, drums, brass and various instruments, delivered three captivating concerts which showcased some of the world’s most famous military and community marching bands. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums, pictured above during their performance, the band of…

I’m  Hazel Whyte, 15, and play with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. This is my second year playing with the band and I was lucky enough to be selected to go and play at the 2018 Ortigueira Festival in Spain. This was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.  On arrival in Spain we then had a  two hour drive to the high school, where we stayed, and the realisation…

Margaret Dunn reports: Here are the CLASP results from Northern Meeting 2018, which was held in the Eden Court alongside the professional competitions on Friday, 31st August.  Judge for the day was Alex Gandy. Pictured l – r: Stewart Allan (Gd 2) Robert Wilson(Gd 1) & Robert Thomson(Gd 3) Grade 1 Piobaireachd 1st Bianca Kail 2nd Robert Wilson 3rd Stephen Ross Grade 2 Piobaireachd 1st Stephen Whitton 2nd Stewart Allan…

Winning the Clasp competition at the Northern Meeting or the Senior Piobaireachd event at the Argyllshire Gathering is the height of achievement for any piper. To win one is defining – to win three of either before your are aged 30 is remarkable. Only a very special piper is capable of such a feat – which brings us neatly to the Editor’s chat with 2018 Clasp winner Callum Beaumont…… Callum…

Lonach Highland Gathering have sent the following: The Lonach Highland Gathering and Games was held in the village of Bellabeg, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, last Saturday, 25th August. A crowd of around 7,000 attended the event which featured a packed programme of over 70 traditional events including the iconic march of the Lonach Highlanders – believed to be the largest body of non-military men in the United Kingdom to carry ceremonial weapons….