Category: Piobaireachd

PP Editor’s Blog: Ian’s March/ Mod Reminder/ Early Band Contests/ Knox Tour

Posted on      by     

With all his success as a pipe major it is easy to forget what a great solo piper P/M Ian McLellan was –  a winner of all the big light music titles including Former Winners’ MSRs. Ian (above), you may not know, was also taught piobaireachd by Captain Andrew Pitkeathly in the Argylls, but band work took over and he didn’t have time to pursue it. He excelled at march…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Ian’s March/ Mod Reminder/ Early Band Contests/ Knox Tour

PP Editor’s Blog: UK Champs Draw/ Willie Lawrie/ PP Audio Archive/ SPA KO

Posted on      by     

The draw for the UK Pipe Band Championships in Belfast on June 11 has been posted on the RSPBA website. First on in Grade 1 are Dowco Triumph Street from Canada. I presume they are giving the Worlds a miss this year given the expense involved in getting to Stormont two months before.  If this is the case it is a loss to Glasgow Green. This band is always very…

More PP Editor’s Blog: UK Champs Draw/ Willie Lawrie/ PP Audio Archive/ SPA KO

Be a Better Piper: A Few Tips for the Games

Posted on      by     

The following advice may be of use to all pipers, but especially those who intend competing round the games this summer. Before any public performance be aware that your bagpipe sound is 99% of the battle. You will NEVER do well on an ill-sounding instrument, yet even the more middle of the road piper can excel when his or her instrument displays vibrancy and accuracy of tuning. I say, perhaps…

More Be a Better Piper: A Few Tips for the Games

PP Editor’s Blog: Highlands & Islands/ Skye Gathering/ Oz Livestream/ SPA KO

Posted on      by     

Spare a thought for piper Darach Urquhart who suffered the opposing emotions of elation and disappointment at the Highlands & Islands Festival on Saturday. Firstly the piping steward read out his name as the winner of the March, Strathspey & Reel contest only for him to realise much later – and after he had been photographed with the winners’ trophy – that in fact there had been a mistake and the prize…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Highlands & Islands/ Skye Gathering/ Oz Livestream/ SPA KO

Highlands and Islands Festival: All Senior Piping Results (Final Update)

Posted on      by     

For this year’s senior piping there were five prizes in each class. There was also an extensive programme of junior piping. All events  held at Oban High School. Double Silver Medallist Gordon Bruce was the P&A Grade champion, with good showings from Allan Russell, Darach Urquhart (pictured with Gordon) and Gordon McCready in the As and Euan Dewar, Andy Wilson and Ross Cowan in the Bs. There was a mix up over the winner…

More Highlands and Islands Festival: All Senior Piping Results (Final Update)