Caritas Banner Grows in Stature

The Caritas Banner competition for under 18 piobaireachd playing was held yesterday, November 30, in the premises of its founders, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. There were more than 60 young entrants from all over Scotland, and one even travelled from North Wales to take part. By Robert Wallace There were three events, Under 18 (two tunes required), 14&Under (own choice) and 14&Under Ground and Variation. Results were as follows: Under…

Caritas Banner/ Mallaig Tune/ CLASP Results

We are delighted to be hosting the 3rd Caritas Banner Piobaireachd Competition for pipers aged 18 & Under this coming Sunday (Nov.30), writes Ben Duncan. The event will be held in the George Watson’s College Music School. (See map, music school circled yellow, top left.) Doors open 7.45am for an 8.30am start in all events. They are as follows: 14 & Under Urlar and Variation; 14 & Under Piobaireachd; 18…

Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg and the Campbell Canntaireachd

Reader Tom MacKenzie has written from Canada: ‘What was your source for the typeset version of the Campbell Canntaireachd in the article on the Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg? Having the ‘scientific notation’ with the canntaireachd is, I think, an excellent idea. Now I can sing the tune with the canntaireachd. ‘I have the ‘Pipers Meeting’ book by Patrick Molard and Jack Taylor, but the tune is not in…

History: Mull Games More than Sixty Years Ago

Old programmes and publicity pamphlets are an excellent record of piping competitions and Highland Games, writes the Editor. Calum Maclean, Tobermory, has forwarded a couple from the Mull Games of the 1960s. In 1965 the date and venue were more less the same as today. Duty band was the Ceannloch Pipe Band from Campbeltown under ‘P/M MacCallum’ and ‘Drum Major Lang’. Can anyone give us more information on these two…

Northern Ireland Bucks the Trend – New Bands Forming

Several RSPBA NI Branch bands are proposing to launch second bands to compete in the 2026 season. Bangor-based Cleland Memorial has announced that they are launching a Grade 4B band and are seeking pipers and drummers who are looking for a fresh start, a new challenge, or to get back into playing. Cleland has an outstanding record of producing talented players as witnessed by those who attend the Blackthorn Pipers…