Author: Robert Wallace

Editor’s Notebook: Judging Seminar/ Carrick Gathering/ Hugh MacPherson/ MacCrimmon Memorial

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I am very much looking forward to the Piobaireachd Society judging seminar on Sunday in Perth. There are several traditional but uncommon tunes set for the competitions this year and this will be a perfect opportunity to examine some of them in detail. There will be short presentations on Pride of Barra, Port Urlar, Fare Thee Well Donald, Finger Lock, Lament for Airds, Castle Dunyveg, Rout of Glen Fruin, Battle…

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What is Wrong with the RSPBA Pipe Band College?

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The RSPBA Pipe Band College must be the only one in the world which does not have standard teaching terms, and a recognised curriculum. It does run a successful summer school and conduct exams at various branches round the country, hardly sufficient for any ‘college’ worthy of the name. There are three Principals (excluding the Summer School Principal) instead of one – another first in world education. Yet still we have…

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Review: Scottish Pipers Association Professional

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I wonder about the wisdom of the C grade. I know it is popular with the Competing Pipers’ Association and the pipers, but it is a burden on contest promoters. The SPA Professional on Saturday was a case in point. Everything was done and dusted by 5pm – except for the C Piob. We eventually finished at 7pm – and this from a prompt 8.30am start. The lack of rooms…

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SPA Professional Contest 2026 – Full Results

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The annual professional competition run by the Scottish Pipers’ Association was held at the Piping Centre in Glasgow today, April 11. There was a good entry in all categories. The competition was sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society and the Competing Pipers’ Association. Champion Piper was Cameron May (pictured above). Four prizes and five places in each category. President Logan Tannock thanked the stewards who were on duty throughout the day from…

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Editor’s Notebook: Scottish Pipers/ Piping on Radio/ Lochaber Anniversary/ Book Query

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The Scottish Pipers’ Association Professional contest is at the Piping Centre in McPhater Street, Glasgow, from 8.30 tomorrow morning and is sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society and the Competing Pipers’ Association. Admission is £5 at the door which, as President Logan Tannock says, would be a bargain at double that price. There are contests for all levels from C grade to Premier, light music and piobaireachd. This will be the…

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