Lonach Games / Lochaber Gathering Preview

Those who have not entered for Lochaber should remember that one of the classic Highland games takes place up in the north-east on Saturday. Buried away in deepest Strathdon, Lonach Gathering has a tradition stretching back well into the 19th century. That tradition is reflected in the customs such as the March of the Lonach Men (below) that precedes the games and is upheld with vigour and interest to this…

Argyllshire Gathering – Preview of One of the Great Piping Events (Updated with Full Lists & Pix)

A week from now pipers from all over the world will converge on the town of Oban in the West Highlands for the annual Argyllshire Gathering piping competitions. Wednesday, August 26, sees the piobaireachd competitions with categories for the young professional, the MacGregor Memorial, the Silver Medal, Gold Medal and Senior Piobaireachd for previous winners. In the evening we hear the peak of professional ceol beag with the Former Winners’ March,…

Grade 1 Review of Worlds Final/ Tain Games

We conclude our extensive coverage of the World Pipe Band Championships with a detailed look at the Grade 1 final from editor Robert Wallace.  There are comments on the individual band performances and some suggestions as to how an already excellent competition could be improved.  Read the article here and also check out our other features on the Worlds by clicking the relevant headings on this page. Going by yesterday’s readership figures…

Comments on the 2015 World Pipe Band Championships

Today we have the first part of our review of the competitions at Glasgow Green held last Friday and Saturday. It was a momentous day for the pipe band world and the ramifications are still being  considered by enthusiasts. Piping Press has been inundated with thousands of readers from every corner of the globe and we thank everyone for their interest. There is lots more on pipe bands in your…

World Pipe Band Championships 2015

In the end it took an Irishman to bring the Worlds title back to Scotland and in doing so P/M Ryan Canning’s achievement must rank among the very highest in pipe band history, writes Robert Wallace. Three years ago he inherited a  Shotts and Dykehead band that was mid to bottom end of the Grade 1 table – luck, or lack of it, was not involved, they were that poor….