George Watson’s Announce Details of Junior Competition/ St Columba’s School Bass Section Tutor

We are pleased to announce that entries for ‘The Caritas Banner’ are now open, writes Ben Duncan, Assistant Pipe Major, George Watson’s College. The competition, aimed at promoting the study and performance of piobaireachd in young pipers will run for its second year on Sunday 24th November 2024 at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. There are categories to suit most young players, which are as follows: 14 & Under Urlar and…

Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Results and Comment

When, in the early 80s, I first ventured to a then much-Troubled Northern Ireland there was a decided paucity of piobaireachd in the Province. Few played it; pipe bands scorned it. A small ember of hope remained thanks to the oxygen of interest from the likes of Norman Dodds and Ken Stewart. What a lonely furrow they ploughed. Undaunted, their efforts, and that of teachers such as Andrew Wright and,…

Glengarry Cup, Ottowa, Results

On Saturday, September 28, the Ottawa Branch of the Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario held the Glengarry Cup. The piobaireachd contest was held in the afternoon followed by the MSR contest in the evening. Judges for both events were Brian Williamson and Bob Worrall. This edition was once again held on the same weekend as the National Police and Peacekeepers Memorial events on Parliament Hill, which brings in…

Editor’s Notebook: Training of Pipe Band Judges/ Lewis & Harris News/ RSPS 1978/ Letters

A comment has been made about Iain McLeod, five times winner of the Worlds with Edinburgh City / Lothian and Borders Police, refusing to judge for the RSPBA because he was asked to ‘quantify his experience’ as our correspondent put it. From what I remember it was more than that. He and other leading men of the time (late ’70s, early ’80s), RG Hardie, John Weatherston, were also asked to…

NI Piper of the Year/ Shotts Concert/ Balmoral Classic

The Northern Ireland Piper of the Year competition will take place in the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, this Saturday, 28th September, writes Ken Stewart. This event has been in existence since 1979 and is an invitation only competition. Pipers who have featured in prizelists at various events throughout Ireland during the current year are invited to take part. The competition comprises both Piobaireachd and March, Strathspey & Reel. Each competitor…