Looking back over the summer I think it would be fair to say that it has provided a thoroughly enjoyable few months of piping and pipe band music, writes the Editor. All the band contests seemed to go off well, certainly the majors did. My only grumble, as you will have read earlier, is that it all finishes a few weeks too early. It will be worse next year with…

In a statement Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band have announced the departure of long-serving Pipe Sergeant Alastair Dunn. The move was instigated entirely by Alastair, who wishes to devote more time to his young family and growing business commitments. Matt Wilson, FMM member since 2003, and P/M of Dollar Juvenile will take over the role of Pipe Sergeant effective immediately. The picture above shows Alastair in the Pipe Sergeant’s position…

I agree with Piping Convenor Alan Forbes that the Northern Meeting’s two-day festival of piping was a great success. With the quality of the playing on show it could be considered nothing less. I sat through all of the Clasp and Gold Medal competitions bar four performances, and heard the 40 or so tunes from a position only five rows back from the stage. Important that. Up in the gods…

The Scottish Schools Pipes & Drums Trust have sent this: Youngsters in Lossiemouth and district schools are to be given the chance to learn the pipes and drums thanks to a funding boost from a national music charity. It is expected that enough pupils will take up the challenge to allow a schools pipe band to be formed. Youngsters will have the chance to try out the practice chanter and…

‘I’ve been playing pipes since I was nine and started competing as an amateur in 1994. I’m a classical pianist first and foremost, though my piano has taken a back seat in the last 10 years since I took the plunge, leaving the amateur ranks. I was lucky enough to win the Silver Medal in 2012 at Oban. By coincidence I could only get a limited time off work that…