Category: Features

Livestream and New Clarsach Contest at Armadale, Skye

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The organisers of the Donald MacDonald Cuach competition have sent this: Finalists have been announced for two prestigious traditional music competitions to be held at Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles this June.  The Donald MacDonald Cuach piobaireachd competition, now in its 32nd year, will bring together five renowned pipers from across Scotland on 15 June. The following day introduces a major new competition for Senior Clàrsach, where…

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Jimmy McIntosh, DR’s Scrapbook and the Day John MacFadyen Did the Double

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I spent yesterday afternoon with Jimmy McIntosh who, with his wife Joyce, is on a three-week visit to the UK. Jimmy, now in his 90s, continues to amaze everyone with his energy and enthusiasm for piping. He is a firm believer in the adage ‘don’t count the days; make every day count’ and is currently involved in a number of projects, which, with Joyce’s valuable support, I am sure he…

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British Pipe Band Championships: Grade 2 Preview

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Some say that when he thinks top hose he thinks fire engine ladder….that his only drone is the one where he goes on and on…..but, but, but…. our readers follow his every utterance so here is the latest from MacStig……. To Paisley, town of the Abbey, town of Coats & Paton, the famous ‘pattern’ and famous son Gerry Rafferty, as the first RSPBA ‘Major’ machinery rolls onto the St James’ Playing…

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PP Ed’s Blog: Blair Atholl/ Big Wedding/ Fintan Lalor/ Innes Smith/ Teacher Hunt

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Very healthy entries for the Blair Atholl piping a week on Sunday (May 27) – at least in the seniors. Over 40 signed up across all grades. Unfortunately there are only a few forward for the under 18s and the organisers are keen to encourage as many youngsters as possible to get involved.  So if you are a junior and feel like a tune at what is effectively the first…

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Dundee City – Competition Report and Grade 2 Review

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Some say his para is more ‘handy’ than diddle, others that to him a good reed is a Dan Brown paperback (spelling isn’t his strong suit)… others bemoan his lack of spacial awareness as he tramps with his cromach to the isles. All we know is, he is our favourite, our number one, our very own MacStig……. Having watched the online performances at Bangor, courtesy of Big Robert (plaudits for that),…

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