Lonach Games / Lochaber Gathering Preview

Those who have not entered for Lochaber should remember that one of the classic Highland games takes place up in the north-east on Saturday. Buried away in deepest Strathdon, Lonach Gathering has a tradition stretching back well into the 19th century. That tradition is reflected in the customs such as the March of the Lonach Men (below) that precedes the games and is upheld with vigour and interest to this…

Argyllshire Gathering – Preview of One of the Great Piping Events (Updated with Full Lists & Pix)

A week from now pipers from all over the world will converge on the town of Oban in the West Highlands for the annual Argyllshire Gathering piping competitions. Wednesday, August 26, sees the piobaireachd competitions with categories for the young professional, the MacGregor Memorial, the Silver Medal, Gold Medal and Senior Piobaireachd for previous winners. In the evening we hear the peak of professional ceol beag with the Former Winners’ March,…

Grade 1 Review of Worlds Final/ Tain Games

We conclude our extensive coverage of the World Pipe Band Championships with a detailed look at the Grade 1 final from editor Robert Wallace.  There are comments on the individual band performances and some suggestions as to how an already excellent competition could be improved.  Read the article here and also check out our other features on the Worlds by clicking the relevant headings on this page. Going by yesterday’s readership figures…

Glenfinnan Games

For those not at the Worlds yesterday there was the opportunity to play at the most picturesque Highland games in the world, Glenfinnan. Finlay Johnston won the overall with Ian K MacDonald, Ontario, close behind. Ten played. Rapidly-changing weather throughout contest with three seasons in a day. The majestic photo of Ian K playing Lament for the Viscount of Dundee for Malcolm McRae is courtesy Emily Kate MacLellan. Piobaireachd: 1….

Piping Live/ Silver Chanter/ Worlds

Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival got off to a stormy start yesterday but the weather didn’t affect the performance or the enthusiasm of the New Zealand Police Pipe Band, who travelled 11,000 miles to compete at the Worlds on Saturday and to play at the festival. They are pictured above with new P/M, Northern Ireland’s Emmet Conway. Over the next four days the band will perform at various points throughout the…