Gordon Castle Games Results/ James Campbell Medal

Gordon Castle Games are the first outdoor solo piping competition of the summer. They are held in the castle grounds near Fochabers in Morayshire. Seventeen entered the senior events. Piobaireachd: 1 Hamish Munro 2 Angus MacPhee, Old Men of the Shells 3 James MacPetrie 4 Hector Munro, King’s Taxes 5 Keith Bowes, Desperate BattleMarch: 1 Hamish Munro 2 Hector Munro 3 Norman Gillies 4 Keith BowesS&R: 1 Angus MacPhee 2…

Editor’s Notebook: Gourock Contest/ Kohima Tune/ Michael the Monk/ JB Robertson

No Grade 1 bands at Gourock last Sunday. Perfect weather, good transport. Where were Glasgow & the West’s Shotts, Police Federation, Scottish Power, Inveraray and Johnstone? In my day this branch was the heartbeat not only of Scotland’s pipe banding but of the world movement itself. The first contest of the year would have had the top bands clamouring for an early season run out. Was it lack of notice,…

Ross Watson of Broadleys Bagpipes, the New Owner of the RT Shepherd Brand

Ross Watson of Broadleys Bagpipes & Reeds is the new owner of the assets and brand of RT Shepherd & Co. In an interview with Piping Press he has spoken about his decision to make an offer for the company. Ross (47) was 28 years with Bob Shepherd, working at his premises in Cardenden, Fife. Almost three years ago he decided to branch out on his own. Broadleys Bagpipes &…

Bob Shepherd, a Man of Innovative Ideas

The news that the company of RT Shepherd has been taken over by a former employee should please everyone who knew the company’s founder, Bob Shepherd, writes the Editor. Bob was an innovator in every way: new products, new manufacturing systems, better quality control, new thinking about how pipe bands should go about their business. The video below confirms his reputation as a man who was determined to push pipe…

Highlands & Islands Festival Report

I don’t think we ladle on enough praise to the volunteers who keep the wheels of piping progress so well oiled with their cheery energy and dedication. A case in point was last Saturday’s Highlands & Islands Festival in Oban. For close on nine hours Convenor Iain Hurst and his team were run off their feet trying to corral youngsters to their allotted classrooms and at the same time keeping…