Highlands & Islands Young Piper of the Year

This competition is organised by Comann Piobaireachd Uibhist agus Bharraigh. Prizewinners are pictured above following the awards ceremony in the Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula, on July 23. The competition was held in Sgoil Lionacleit. The age limit for the senior event is 30. Ceòl Mòr: 1 Angus MacPhee  2 Calum Craib 3 Thomas Cangelosi 4 Magnus Stone  March: 1 Calum Craib 2 Angus MacPhee 3 Micheal MacLellan 4 Thomas Cangelosi …

Chairman Resigns from Solo Judging Association

Bruce Hitchings, Chairman of the Solo Piping Judges Association, has resigned with immediate effect citing health issues. The Association will now look for an interim Chair to see it through to its AGM in November. Mr Hitchings, who is resident in the USA but who makes regular forays to the UK, had been in post for over two years. His tenure of office has been marked by some controversy, not…

Inveraray Games Results 2026

The warm spell continued for this popular, graded games held in the grounds of the famous castle on July 21. They attracted a large entry from far and wide. There were 20 entered for the Junior Piobaireachd, 24 for the P/A grade, 25 for the B and 25 for the C. Light music entries were similar. To add to that, stewards had amateur and local events to contend with, making…

Tomintoul Highland Games Results

The traditional Highland Games took place at Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire, last Saturday, July 18, writes Duncan Watson. The village is believed to be the highest settlement in the country.  In common with the USA, this year marks its 250 years of existence. There were extra events to celebrate this.  Considering the population of the village and surrounding area, there was a huge crowd of spectators and, having chatted to a few, it was…

Before Scotland? Ladies Pipe Bands in Victoria, Australia – Part 2

TIn January 1918, the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society announced that women would be enrolled in its pipe band. This society’s male band was no weak or novelty outfit. It was a champion band. But the war had depleted its ranks. The Weekly Times reported: ‘It is announced that 20 young women have joined the pipe band of the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society.’ By Stephen Matthews, Chairman…