The View from the Bench: A Review of the Northern Meeting Gold Clasp 2022

At just after 08.30 on day two of the Northern Meeting, Greg Wilson stepped on to the stage of the Eden Court Theatre, tuned calmly and played the ‘Big Nameless tune’ – Cherede Darievea smoothly and softly on a sweet pipe with just minor technical imperfections. The judges settled, ears agog. The audience sank into their seats, eyes half-closing already. Business as usual. Then Roderick MacLeod gave us Donald Ban….

Chatsworth Games Results

The Piobaireachd Society contributed significantly to the prizemoney for the piobaireachd event which required four tunes to be submitted – perhaps not a big ‘ask’ of the Premier graded pipers present but certainly stretching for some of the less experienced competitors who rose to the challenge.  Playing conditions were good other than the odd shower, with temperatures averaging 20 degrees Celsius throughout the day – almost perfect for both instruments…

Braemar Gathering Results – Updated with Comment, Pictures and Juniors

The final major Highland games of the summer was held in dry, overcast, but warm conditions. There were changes at the piobaireachd board with a new canopy and screen. This helped greatly in reducing extraneous noise and unwanted breezes. One minor hiccup came when Jamie Forrester put a brogue through a rotted plank on the platform. Luckily he was still tuning. It was the only foot he put wrong in…

Northern Meeting Complete Day 2 Results

Highlight of the second day at Inverness is the Gold Clasp competition, which, with the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering, is the most prestigious ceòl mòr prize in world piping. It was a major win for Angus MacColl adding to his Senior Piobaireachd title at Oban. Angus capped a super day by taking first in Hornpipe & Jig as well. Gold Clasp1 Angus D MacColl, £1,000, Nameless, Cherede Darievea2…

How to Maximise the Commercial Potential of the World Pipe Band Championship Grade 1

Following our recent articles on the Worlds 2022, these social media responses are worth repeating. The first is from from reader Mark Christy: In past years I too was annoyed by the inability to hear the Grade 1 bands. Indeed the free seat location was far better than the paid seat. The RSPBA should have a study of the professional production down the road. At the Edinburgh Tattoo it’s all…