PP Ed's Blog: Glenfiddich/ B Cal Airways Band/ Harry McNulty/ Joe Wilson

Thanks for all the comments regarding the Glenfiddich competition. I hear that the tuning wasn’t too bad this year and that may have been something to do with the positioning of a clock by which the competitors could perhaps gauge the time spent adjusting the drones. Only one small step now and we could have lights and a huge improvement in listeners’ enjoyment. In particular, think how the livestream experience…

A Tale of Stolen Bagpipes – Don’t Leave them in the Car!

After reading of Niall Stewart’s stolen pipes a couple of weeks ago, a weird sort of déjà vu! Over the years, I know of five sets I have made that have been stolen. The set Nicholas Taitz plays here in South Africa were actually stolen out of our house. Nick had given them to me to remount with engraved mounts and they were standing inside our front door in a…

PP Ed’s Blog: Glenfiddich/ Strachur/ Bobby MacLeod/ Scots Guards KO

‘Charlie’ posted a comment on the Glenfiddich results report asking if I will be doing a critique on this year’s performances. The answer is no Charlie. They don’t invite me I’m afraid. The last time I was there, in 2014, I had to ask for a press pass. People might not realise it but behind all the smiles and bonhomie on display ….. My report that year mentioned that the…

Bratach Gorm and London Draw Published

The prestigious London Championship takes placer at the Kensington Conference Centre next Saturday (November 4). As always the competition has attracted a large entry with many pipers travelling from Scotland and a significant number flying in from North America and elsewhere. The main competition for the Bratach Gorm begins at 8.30am: 1 Andrew Carlisle 2 William McCallum 3 Finlay Johnston 4 Roderick MacLeod 5 Alasdair Henderson 6 Callum Beaumont 7…

PP Ed’s Blog: Tommy & Anne Are Our Heroes/ SG KO and G’fidd Livestream/ New Piping Jobs in Highlands and West Lothian

Well they’ve always been heroes to me but now their bravery has been officially recognised by the Scottish Government. Tommy and Anne Johnston received their Brave@Heart Awards from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a special ceremony at Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday (above). They were among 47 people from the emergency and voluntary sectors and the public to be presented with Brave@Heart Awards recognising acts of bravery and heroism. Of the 47…