Category: Blog

Bill Livingstone, 1942–2025

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Bill Livingstone, one of the great Canadian pipers and pipe majors, passed away yesterday afternoon. He was 83. Bill Livingstone was more than a piper—he was a singular presence in the world of Highland piping. His artistry, leadership, and unwavering dedication reshaped solo piping and pipe bands. Born on March 20, 1942, in Copper Cliff, Ontario, Canada, Bill’s journey with the pipes began at the age of four under the…

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NZ Pipe Band Championships Attract Record Entry

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With 57 entries, the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Invercargill will be the largest pipe band event outside of Europe, writes Liam Kernaghan, RNZPBA President. ‘The ‘New Zealand Nationals’ is a must-do for many pipe band aficionados and we are delighted to play host yet again to one of the biggest competitions on the planet. Bands from across New Zealand and Australia will compete over two days on Friday…

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EUSPBA President on the Grading of Judges

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Earlier this week the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association revised its list of judges for both pipe bands and soloists. Individuals on the list were graded either ‘A’ or ‘B’. ‘A’ grade judges can judge all grades; ‘B’ grades can do Grade 1 and below in solos and Grade 3 and below in bands. The man driving the change, EUSPA President Bill Caudill, has written about the changes which…

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Historic SPA Trophy Winners Listed

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Two weeks ago Jeannie Campbell wrote of two historic trophies which were presented by the Scottish Pipers’ Association for annual junior competition: the John MacDougall Gillies Trophy (above left) and the Farquhar MacRae Trophy (r). Both were always for piobaireachd, the J MacD Gillies at the SPA spring competition and the F MacRae at the autumn competition. The competitions were for amateurs and juveniles, so some winners were older than…

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New Amateur Contests for England/ Edinburgh School Drum Tutor Wanted

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My RSPBA ranch (London & South of England) has always offered solo contests alongside pipe band events, writes Jackie Allan. It is a means of bringing together the scattered piping (and drumming) community in our very large region. Last year we trialled the CLASP system for amateur solo pipers, with the intention of creating a more level playing field for the pipers, and a better pathway for personal development.  Following talks…

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