Category: Pipe Bands

Northern Ireland News

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Ulster at the Duncan Johnstone: On Saturday 21st March a number of pipers from Northern Ireland took part in the annual Duncan Johnstone Memorial competition in Glasgow. The overall winner of the B Grade competitions was Andrew Pattison, while Scott Wallace was the Grade C winner. The B Piobaireachd was won by Rathfriland’s James Frazer who also placed fifth in the B MSR and second in the B Jig. Scott…

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MacColls Recital/ Pipe Idol Entries/ Kiwi Success

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Tonight Inverness Piping Society welcomes both Angus MacColl Snr. and Jnr. for the third recital of the season, writes Les Hutt. From his success in the Young Piper of the Year at Blair Castle in 1984, Angus Snr. has been one of the most consistent of the top pipers over the past 40 years. His successes make remarkable reading including five Clasps to the Highland Society of London Gold Medal,…

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Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes/ Atholl Gathering/ 214 BB/ Duncan Johnstone/ PS Conference

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The RSPBA are now taking the issue of band sizes seriously. There was a commitment at last weekend’s AGM to take the matter forward via the Music Board and a consultation with the bands. The proposal is that piper numbers be cut to 22 and side drummers to 11. No apparent mention of bass and tenors. The thrust of the argument put forward was one of fairness, always an emotional…

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Important Decisions Following the RSPBA AGM

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The hybrid AGM was conducted from RSPBA HQ in Washington Street, Glasgow, on March 14, with the majority of directors and some local band representatives present in person. Others joined online. A total of 49 bands attended. Two major decisions which will be of interest are: 1 The Music Board and Format Group will consider a limit on the maximum number of registered players in a given band: 22 x pipers and…

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78th Fraser Highlanders from Ontario to Headline World’s Week Concert

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Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band has announced that their ‘pre-Worlds’ concert this year will be headlined by the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Canada. The concert is on Wednesday, 12th August 2026 at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. 78th Pipe Major Michael Grey commented, ‘Making music for performance outside of competition is a huge part of what the 78th is about. The band thrives on it and building a…

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