What Price Forgiveness for P/M Gordon Walker?

In two weeks time the Glenfiddich Championship will celebrate its 50th iteration. In a nice touch the organisers have invited previous winners still living to attend for a weekend of good music, hospitality and friendship. Missing, though, will be Gordon Walker a two-time winner of the competition. On June 21 this year he received an email from Mr Nick Addington, Chief Executive of the William Grant Foundation, the contest sponsor….

Dollar Academy Job Reminder/ Stirling Recital/ Merchison Scholarships

Callum Beaumont writes: ‘I just wanted to share with you that there is an exciting opportunity for someone to join the team at Dollar Academy as a self-employed piping instructor. Perhaps there may be a Piping Press reader interested.’ The blurb says the job is two days a week, though this may rise, and will be paid by invoice. The school is looking for someone who has Grade 1 experience ‘at…

History: Pipe Bands in the East of Scotland Over the Years

Having been a member of three East of Scotland pipe bands and involved with various others over more than 50 years I have built up some knowledge of many of them.  It would take a great deal of research to compile a detailed history, much of which might be difficult to find, so this article is more general. I apologise from the outset for anything, or any band or any…

Lewis & Harris Juniors Results

Around 100 young pipers from across the Western Isles came together in Harris on Sept 30th for the Lewis and Harris Piping Society’s Annual Junior Competition — including youngsters from the Southern Isles, despite initial fears that low tides would impact the Sound of Harris ferry service and stop them travelling. Once the necessary assurances were given that the last ferry back to Berneray would run as scheduled, a group…

Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Results

Northern Ireland Piping Society’s ‘Piper of the Year’ competition took place in the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, County Antrim, on Saturday 7th October 2023, writes Ken Stewart. Champion Piper was James Fraser of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band. James was fresh from his victory at the All Ireland Solo Piping last month. He is pictured left with his trophies. This was the first PotY event since covid. The Piobaireachd, MSR…