Category: Comment

Reflections on the Argyllshire Gathering 2016 – Part 1

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The 2016 Argyllshire Gathering should be described as nothing less than an outstanding success, writes the Editor. Of course the fine weather helped with pipers able to stop and chat in the Oban sunshine about all the usual things: drones going off, rotten reeds, crooked judges. The gathering was helped by having popular winners in all the main piobaireachd events. Pride of place must go to Ian K. MacDonald of…

More Reflections on the Argyllshire Gathering 2016 – Part 1

Argyllshire Gathering – Pictures & Complete Results from Day 2

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Day Two at the Argyllshire Gathering saw the bulk of the ceol beag events taking place at Mossfield Park, Oban. The competing pipers were led there by the winner of the Gold Medal from yesterday. This year that honour fell to Ian K. MacDonald of Ontario, Canada, who was placed first with his tune Mary’s Praise. Yesterday was a great day all round for North America with the Silver Medal going…

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

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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…

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

Full Results from the 2016 Lochaber Gathering – Updated with Pictures, Audio Recording and Comment

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There was a very high standard of performance in all grades. The above picture shows (l -r) Ben Duncan, winner of the Lochaber Gold Medal for Marches, Gordon Walker winner of the Strathspey & Reel and Callum Beaumont, winner of the Gold Lochaber Axe ‘An Tuagh Òir’. See below for comments on the playing.  ‘P/A’ Piobaireachd (four own choice tunes submitted) 1 Callum Beaumont, Lament for Hugh (£300) 2 Gordon…

More Full Results from the 2016 Lochaber Gathering – Updated with Pictures, Audio Recording and Comment

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

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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…

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