Editor’s Notebook: World Solo Drumming/ Champion of Champions Medal/ Richard Parkes/ Piobaireachd by the Sea/ Oldest Piper Search/ North East Photographs

Not surprised the RSPBA have cancelled the World Solo Drumming given that there will be no fly-in competitors, but could they not have put on something for the drummers in lieu? I really cannot understand the lack of activity from this great organisation. What about a Scottish drum championship or a UK drum championship or a British Isles drum championship? They could have used Headquarters in Washington Street and if…

Glasgow Police No More-New Band for Scot Cops

Official Press Release: Police Scotland is piping in a new era with the formation of the new Police Scotland & Federation Pipe Band. Pipe band activity has been restricted over the last year due to COVID-19, allowing the current band, Glasgow Police Pipe Band, to consider its future and recognise an opportunity to align itself fully with Police Scotland. Police Scotland recognises the important influence and contribution pipe bands have…

A Few Days on Mull of the Cool High Bens

Time stood still this week on the island of Mull. The sun shone on calm water and soaring summit. But the idyll belied an inner tension. The ‘tier zero’ island is confronting an influx of bug carriers, or so it thinks. It means restrictions more stringent than in covid city, Glasgow. By Robert Wallace It will be a time before we learn to live with this but we need to…

Editor’s Notebook: Medals Find/ Bands and Piobaireachd/ EUSPBA Go Ahead/ Set Tunes

Reader Robert Baker in Australia writes: ‘I recently secured two piping medals at auction in the UK. They mention the Lorn Ossianic Society and the ‘Loch Lubnaig Gathering’. ‘These very interesting pieces are now on their way to me in Australia. Once I receive them, further research will have to be undertaken. ‘I also picked up a ‘Silver Star’. I will keep you updated as I will eventually will find a…

Editor’s Notebook: Piping’s Poor Show/ Willie Ross/ Piping Live/ Controversy of Pipers

Chatsworth Games in the south have now been officially called off, organisers citing Boris Johnson’s four-week delay to ‘Freedom Day’ as the reason. There will be no band or solo contests in England this year. Here, the authorities in Inverness have confirmed that ‘Under Canvas’, an outdoor summer music festival co-curated with Fèis Rois, will run from 1 July – 30 September, providing ‘a three-month programme of music on the…