On presenting a silver chanter to young MacCrimmon, the Fairy Queen said: ‘This can give you either great skill but no fame, or great fame but no skill. Which is it to be?’ MacCrimmon chose the former. The Fairy Queen was so impressed she granted him both. This mythic promise holds true today for all winners of the coveted trophy – and there is none more skilful, nor more famed,…

The Argyllshire Gathering piping competitions are on August 21 and 22. The Gathering attracts all the top pipers in the world vying for historic titles such as the Highland Society of London Gold Medal, the Silver Medal, the Senior Piobaireachd, the Former Winners MSR for the RSPS Silver Star. In addition there are major light music contests at the Oban Games on the 22nd.