Category: Features

Perfect Conditions for Pibroch by the Sea

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The annual Piobaireachd Masterclass was held at Cancale, Brittany, on Saturday, 12 September. Seventeen participants of a variety of ages and expertise attended for a full day’s instruction, held on the day preceding the ‘Piobaireachd by the Sea’ recital. By Bill Wotherspoon I was joined by Patrick Molard who took the morning session and ably assisted me with translation in the afternoon. We took it in turns to explain the…

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Northern Ireland: Heart of Down/ C of C/Closkelt/

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Newcastle’s Donard Park was the venue for the final RSPBANI Branch outdoor competition of the season which included the final of the Champion of Champions competition. While it was a little cold in the early part of the day the warm afternoon sunshine provided ideal conditions for the competitors and the large body of spectators at what is one of the most scenic venues below the towering Mountains of Mourne. Local…

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Pipe Major Harry McNulty 1933-2026

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The pipe band community worldwide was saddened to learn of the death on 8th September 2026 of Harry McNulty. He was 93. During his career Harry was Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police, British Caledonian Airways and Power of Scotland (now Scottish Power) bands. Born in April 1933 and a native of Leith in Edinburgh, Harry grew up adopted by his grandfather Pipe Major William Sinclair,…

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Northern Meeting Revisited – Part 2

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For this article we have a review of the 2026 Clasp competition by adjudicator Dr Jack Taylor MBE. For some inexplicable reason the BBC chose not to record this world class event, opting instead for the light music. Their microphones missed some outstanding piping, none better than the performance by the winner, Callum Beaumont. Fortunately Callum had friends around who did the recording job for him and they have kindly…

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Editor’s Notebook: Harry McNulty/ Angus Award/ Jeannie Book/ Gunn Pipes/ Pitlochry Piobaireachd

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Sad to report the passing of Harry McNulty, one of the unassuming heroes of the pipe band world. Those who played under him at Lothian & Borders Police (1976–1982), B Cal./ Scottish Power (1982–1992), all testify to his expertise as a pipe major and musician. Harry was also central to the work of the William Sinclair & Co pipe making firm, designing and testing chanters for the renowned company throughout…

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