Arthur Remembered/ Springbank Results

On a beautiful autumn afternoon the people of Kilchrenan and Dalavich on Lochaweside gathered yesterday to remember Arthur Gillies, one of Argyll’s finest pipers, writes Alastair MacGregor. Locals were joined by visitors from as far away as Connecticut and Colorado. The event was organised by Stella Leitch, the daughter-in-law of Jock Leitch, another Kilchrenan piper and the man who started Arthur on the chanter. This special day comprised an exhibition…

Editor’s Notebook: Northern Mtg. on BBC/ Harry Funeral/ Arthur Remembered/ London Recital/ SPA Date/ Morla Prize/ School Job

Micheal Steel of the BBC’s piping programmes: ‘Just a note for your readers that this year’s Northern Meeting will be the focus on the piping programmes across the BBC this weekend and next weekend. ‘Recordings feature the prize winners in the Gold Medal, the Silver Star Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and Reel, and the A-grade Hornpipe & Jig. ‘All prize winners will feature across both weekends and for UK listeners you can catch up…

Perfect Conditions for Pibroch by the Sea

The annual Piobaireachd Masterclass was held at Cancale, Brittany, on Saturday, 12 September. Seventeen participants of a variety of ages and expertise attended for a full day’s instruction, held on the day preceding the ‘Piobaireachd by the Sea’ recital. By Bill Wotherspoon I was joined by Patrick Molard who took the morning session and ably assisted me with translation in the afternoon. We took it in turns to explain the…

Pitlochry/ Bowhill/ Chatsworth Results

A surprisingly dry and warm day at Pitlochry (Sept.12), writes the Editor. Early morning rain seemed to have put off a number of competitors and parking restrictions borne of the A9 roadworks may not have helped either. There were nine call-offs in the piobaireachd. The winner, Douglas Murray, gave a refined rendition of Lord Lovat’s Lament. Let us hope that this win heralds a regular return to the boards for…

Northern Meeting Revisited – Part 2

For this article we have a review of the 2026 Clasp competition by adjudicator Dr Jack Taylor MBE. For some inexplicable reason the BBC chose not to record this world class event, opting instead for the light music. Their microphones missed some outstanding piping, none better than the performance by the winner, Callum Beaumont. Fortunately Callum had friends around who did the recording job for him and they have kindly…