By Douglas Adam, Uddingston Strathclyde Executive Committee I am delighted to announce that USPB is creating an academy structure to ensure the long-term future of piping and drumming in the central belt of Scotland. With its history dating back to 1972, Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band has a proud heritage as a member of the RSPBA. The organisation is now embarking on a new chapter in its history to deliver a sustainable…

Reader Hugh Bevan writes: ‘My Gillanders and McLeod pipes are for sale. They are blackwood pipes with ivory mounts and nickel ferrules and are in very good condition. ‘They were professionally refurbished at the beginning of this year. Price: £1,850. Please contact me on:  h.c.bevan@btinternet.com .’ More details and pictures here. The Piping Press Online Advertising Service is a great way to sell your pipes, chanters etc. Only £25 per insertion…

Many years ago I was judging Grade 4 at Cowal Games in the days when that grade could have over 40 competitors.  It was one of the wettest days I ever encountered at Dunoon – and there were many.  The rain was coming down in sheets and I was standing on the grass in about three inches of water.  The second band to play was Ashbourne from Derbyshire in England. …

Piper Steve Rooklidge of the Shasta Piping Society in California has acquired a new set of pipes during the lockdown and is looking for some help with the ID. Steve writes: ‘A set of drones has come into my possession that I can’t identify and I wonder if any of your readers might know the maker by the attached photos.  ‘They are currently at Dunbar Bagpipes for restoration, and sadly no chanter…

The factors outlined  in my last article regularly affect adjudicators but there are others which are totally unexpected.  Some examples of both types of these situations I encountered during my adjudication career are as follows. All of them are true. Perception or fact? The first time I judged the Grade 1 World Pipe Band Championships I was on the MSR drumming competition.  The potential winners being talked about beforehand were…