I have just read all the comments on our tuition fees story. They represent a wide range of views and are well put. Thanks to everyone who contributed and in particular to author Jeff Williams for putting his head above the parapet on this one. It is a complex subject with many strands of argument. As a traditional art, there is still the laudable ‘carrying stream’ approach: we hand on…

This annual competition for B and C grade members of the Competing Pipers’ Association was held today at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. Overall winner in the B Grade was John Dew. B Piob1 Finlay Cameron, MacLeod’s Salute2 John Dew, Lament for the Children3 Dan Nevans, Too Long in This Condition4 Matt Pantaleoni, Big Spree5 Kris Coyle, Lament for Mary MacLeod C Grade MSR1 Ryan Cupples-Menendez2 Brodie Watson-Massey3 Donald…

By Jeff Williams, MSG(R), Army SOF I submit that I am a ‘nobody’ in piping or drumming. However, I think that there needs to be some serious consideration given to the fees people are charging for piping and drumming instruction.  In my humble opinion, there is a lot of ego in piping. Perhaps too much ego and this is making competent instruction impossible to obtain for the average individual. Piping…

Skye Gathering piping competitions will be held on August 6th and 7th and feature six events, Dunvegan Medal, Col. Jock Clasp, Kemble Star March, Peter MacFarquhar Star Strathspey & Reel, 6/8 March and Hornpipe & Jig. Entries for the Dunvegan Medal will be accepted during April & May. The blurb issued by Piping Convenor Cameron MacFadyen reads: ‘The top three performers from each heat (i.e. six competitors drawn from the…

What about this blast from the past from Donald McBride. Donald writes, ‘This was taken in 1972 after we got back from the CNE Festival in Toronto. Barry Donaldson is second from the left back row. ‘Dad [P/M Willie McBride] is far left middle row and next to him is Jennifer Hutcheon and, next to Jennifer, Les Hutt.’ Jennifer is now an RSPBA adjudicator after years of sterling work at…