Senior adjudicator Dr Jack Taylor has been in the southern hemisphere playing and judging in Australia and New Zealand. Here is his report….. The 43rd New Zealand Silver Chanter and Clasp Competitions were held Christchurch last weekend. They are run by the Highland Piping Society of Canterbury and are one of New Zealand’s three major annual events. In contrast to Scotland’s Clasp and Silver Chanter they are light music competitions….

What a grievous week this last. The passing of Bob Shepherd, Sandy MacPhee and Robert Turner represents a huge loss to piping and pipe bands. Sandy’s son Donald’s tribute to his father was touching and sincere. Sandy made a highly significant contribution to piping in the US and was respected on both sides of the Atlantic. Donald wrote: ‘Dad was not only my dad but also my primary bagpipe teacher….

With the passing of Bob Shepherd MBE piping and the pipe band community have lost one of its legendary personalities.  Bob will be remembered as a successful pipe band teacher and leader, an innovative manufacturer of piping products as well as someone who played an immense role in the progressive development of pipe band music.  Among his greatest attributes were his depth of understanding of bagpipes and pipe bands, his…

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2019 is Finlay Johnston, successfully defending his 2018 title. He was placed second in ceol mor and second in MSR to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Connor Sinclair in his first appearance at this competition, with Glenn Brown in third. The annual competition was held as usual in the Great Hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. Those unable to travel to the event were able to…

P/M RT (Bob) Shepherd’s family have passed on the following funeral details: The funeral will take place on Tuesday 5 November at 2.15pm at Kirkcaldy Crematorium, Rosemount Avenue, Kirkcaldy KY2 6HQ. Thereafter there will be a get together at the Dean Park Hotel, Chapel Level, Kirkcaldy KY2 6HF. Bob died last Thursday evening aged 81 after a long bout of illness. Tomorrow’s Piping Press will carry a special tribute to…