‘Return from the Battlefield’ Recital/ All Ireland Solos Results

Inverness Piping Society are starting their recital programme at Inverness Golf Club on 3rd October,  with ‘Return from the Battlefield’, featuring Duncan MacGillivray and Dougie Pincock, both former members of the Battlefield Band folk group and exceptional pipers in their own right.  Duncan was the first piper with the Battlefield, joining them in 1979, and recording several albums with them whilst touring all over the world. By Les Hutt A serious…

Florida Pipe & Drum Academy/ RSPBA Regradings/ Drumming Festival

Director Chris McKeown has announced dates and a new venue for the annual Florida Pipe & Drum Academy. The 2026 school will be held from February 22 – 27 at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida. Chris writes: ‘We’re planning something you won’t want to miss, and we hope to see you there. We are at a new venue where meals and lodging are part of your…

RSPBA Chairman on the Changes at the Worlds

This has been a difficult year for the RSPBA with four major championships only (and one poorly attended). However the Worlds in August at Glasgow Green were viewed by everyone as an outstanding success with a number of notable innovations streamlining the Championship and finding favour with all but the most churlish. We interviewed Association Chairman Bob Niven and discussed some the changes with him and whether they would become…

Northern Meeting Day 2 Results

Highlight of the second day at Inverness is the Gold Clasp competition, which, with the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering, is the most prestigious ceòl mòr prize in world piping. Gold Clasp1 Stuart Liddell, Colin Roy MacKenzie’s Lament, £1,000 2 Angus D MacColl, Sutherland’s Gathering3 Calum Beaumont, Daughter’s Lament4 Connor Sinclair, Scarce of Fishing5 Jamie Forrester, Judges: A Forbes, M Henderson, A MacDonald ‘A’ MSR1 Sarah Muir2 Cameron Bonar3 Connor…

Northern Meeting Day 1 Results

The competitions were held today (Sept. 11) in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal:1 Brodie Watson-Massey (£550) – Stewart’s White Banner (pictured)2 Darach Urquhart, MacLean’s March (£400)3 Angus MacPhee, Lament for the Departure of King James (£250)4 Steven Leask (£200), Lady Mgt. MacDonald’s Sal.5 John McDonald, MacLean’s March (£150)Judges: R Barnes, R MacShannon, J Wilson Silver Medal:1 Callum Wynd, MacFarlane’s Gath. (£350)2 Zephan Knichel (£250)3 Joe…