A packed gym hall at the Lusk National School north of Dublin saw Ashley McMichael of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band crowned All Ireland Champion Piper for 2019. Ashley is pictured above with his trophy. There was more success for Field Marshal in the ‘A’ piobaireachd where Scott Wallace triumphed with his rendition of the King’s Taxes, and in the ‘B’ MSR where Alastair Donaghy came out on top. In…

Kilmarnock Pipe Band have sent this…. We are delighted to announce that Dave Harling has been appointed as Leading Drummer. Dave has a wealth of experience in top level performance having spent the previous 3 years in Johnstone Pipe Band, 5 years in the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and a year in Bleary and District Pipe Band. Dave said: “I’m delighted at having been asked to be part of…

I write from my room overlooking the Irish Sea. Just north of Dublin. I’m here for the All Ireland Solos. Two hundred and one pipers and drummers. Yes, that’s right 201 and not a penny in prizemoney. The record entry is split 55-45% in the pipers’ favour. By Robert Wallace John Wilson and I are picked up by the Irish Pipe Band Associations’s Vice President Seamus Russell. A fiddle with…

In concluding his informative articles on pipe band adjudication former judge Alistair Aitken OBE identifies specific factors associated with pipe band assessment. This should serve as a ‘ready reckoner’ for all bands competing and non-competing. Mr Aitken splits his list of ‘requirements’ into three sections, drumming, ensemble and piping which where he begins. Introduction No sound from drones until 5th beat of 3-pace rolls All drones in together accurately and…

By Duncan Watson Early in September 2019 saw the Braemar Gathering taking place. The piobaireachd competition has long attracted notable pipers to the event and history tells us that the likes of John MacDougall Gillies attended in 1875 and was the winner of the competition. I don’t know what tune he played. Not taking anything away from the man or his performance, but going by the historic records, only three…