William Grant & Sons Funding for Piping Events Under Review

The news that there is to be a reduction in the sponsorship of piping by Glenfiddich/ Wm Grant and Sons will be of concern to all our readers, writes the Editor. Rumours have been abroad for some time and now it seems the whispers have become fact. This company’s generosity towards our art is legion. They and their former Chairman Sandy Grant Gordon will forever have a place in the hearts…

PP Ed’s Blog: Thoughts on the Worlds Grade 2/ Champion of Champions/ Cowal

Apologies for the delay in my second bulletin from the World Pipe Band Championships; so much going on in piping at this time of year. Before I get to it however I want to reflect on a couple of things. Firstly do you agree with me that the pipe band season is over a little early? Say what you like about Cowal, but it extended things by two or three…

PP Editor’s Blog: Lochaber Gathering/ Donald Campbell/ Braemar – Grampian League/ Alden Biesen

To Fort William tonight for the annual Lochaber Gathering competition. A strong entry of over 50 pipers from juniors to senior P/A grade. I am giving a  short talk at 1.30 under the title of ‘The Judging of Solo Competition’ and hope to be able to offer some tips and advice to competitors. The contest clashes with the Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, close by, 12 miles along the A830. With Lochaber…

Lochaber Gathering Draws for All Events/ World Amateur CLASP Grade 1 Results

Grade 1 CLASP results from the World Solo Amateur Piping Competition. Margaret Dunn reports: ‘This year’s overall winner, Gill Cairns, received an all expenses paid trip to compete at the amateur section of the Metro Cup in New York, 2017. Thanks to Eric and Maureen Stein for sponsoring this great prize.’ Gill is pictured above with Mr & Mrs Stein. Piobaireachd 1 Gill Cairns 2 Gordon Hislop 3 Andrea Zingg March, Strathspey…

Magnificent Field Marshal Thrill Concert Hall Audience

I think the old football cliché of a ‘game of two halves’ neatly sums up Field Marshal Montgomery’s ‘Impact’ concert last night at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Whilst never falling below the standard of excellence we have come to expect from this band, there was something almost reticent in their delivery in the first. But maybe they, like the audience, were befuddled by booming bass – and I mean booming….