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….

Aboyne Games Results

Piping Convenor Dr Jack Taylor reports: Here are the Aboyne Games results; it was a perfect day weather-wise. There were 11 in the senior events. It was good to welcome folk there from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who also took in Breabach’s concert in Aboyne last evening. Open Piobaireachd 1.  Calum Brown,  The Bicker 2.  John MacDonald 3.  Alan Clark 4.  Allan Russell 5.  Duncan Watson Judges Norman Matheson, Malcolm McRae, Ian…

Mallaig Games Cancelled

Mallaig Games, due to take place on Sunday (Aug 7) have been officially cancelled. Appalling weather in the north-west Highlands, heavy rain and wind, has led to widespread flooding and waterlogged fields. The forecast for the next two days is no better so there is no prospect of grassy areas such as the venue, the Lovat Memorial Field, drying out in time. Games organisers are increasingly worried about insurance costs that…

PP Editor’s Blog: Silver Chanter/ Letters/ Comments/ Games/ Nicol-Brown/ Bill Blacklaw

Congratulations to Iain MacFadyen on completing 50 years attendance at the Silver Chanter competition held this week at Dunvegan Castle, Skye. Iain’s family has had a long association with the competition and with the island. His brother John, who had a home there, was one of the Chanters’ co-founders back in the late 60s. The family connection with the Misty Isle continues with Cameron MacFadyen, Iain’s nephew, taking over from…

A Look Back At The Grade 1 Contest at the Scottish Championships

I didn’t think Saturday’s Grade 1 contest was reflected in the way the summaries eventually showed. For me there were three bands in the mix for first at Dumbarton: Field Marshal, St Laurence and Inveraray. The title could have gone to either one and no one could have complained. That said, Inveraray’s four straight first places tells its own story and I bow to the superior insight and positioning of…