The annual competition run by the Scottish Piping Society of London takes place a week on Saturday in the Kensington Conference Centre. Since the early 1930s it has been one of the highlights of the solo calendar. Today we begin a look back at the history of this illustrious Society and its early beginnings tracing the origins of its famous competitions for the Bratach Gorm and the Gillies Cup. The…
Yesterday’s mention of the brilliant playing of P/M Iain Morrison, Lewis, brought to mind this famous picture of all the Gold Medallists of the Queen’s Own Highlanders attending the 1970 Northern Meeting. It features Iain standing top right. I am not sure if everyone is au fait with the individuals and their tunes, and to the modern generation these gentlemen will probably seem as mysterious as the early MacCrimmons. So, history…
One has to be careful about treading in areas where one’s knowledge is limited, but did anyone else notice that of the top six solo pipe band drummers from Saturday’s World Solos not one is Scottish? Is this something we should be concerned about? I don’t know about other grades, but in the Adult Final we had: 1 Steven McWhirter (Northern Ireland), 2 Michael McKenna (Ireland) 3 Jake Jørgensen (Denmark)…
We were pleased to be able to bring readers news of the livestream of the World Solo Drumming during the week. It is something that pipe band enthusiasts have been pushing for since last year. Contrary to what people might think, the RSPBA and their co-organisers Glasgow Life, actually listen to what the pipe band public wants, and, if technically and financially feasible, will act. Tomorrow’s World Drumming Adult Final…
Complete results from last weekend’s Royal National Mod Piping are now available. They show a very successful day for US piper Decker Forrest now domiciled on Skye. This year the Mod was held on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Ceol Mor 1st J. Decker Forrest, Isleornsay, receives the James R. Johnston Memorial Quaich and £150 2nd James MacPhee, Inbhir Nis, £100 3rd Brìghde Chaimbeul, An Caol, £75 Ceol Beag 1st J. Decker Forrest £100 2nd James MacPhee £75 3rd Brìghde Chaimbeul £50 H&J 1st…
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