New Band Season Almost Upon Us/ More on Piobaireachd Contest Prizewinners

Well folks the long wait is nearly over….. this weekend sees the start of the 2018 band season with four UK pipe band contests and most Grade 1 bands having a run in preparation for the British Championships at Paisley (May 19). On Sunday (May 13), at Gourock, there is a very healthy entry in this grade. Here is the draw courtesy the RSPBA: Grade 1 (starting 3.50pm approx.) 1…

PP Ed’s Blog: Vincent’s Tune/ NEPADA Ts/ Joe Wilson/ Reader Query/ Graham Brown

Piobaireachd composition winner Vincent Janoski has given some reaction to his big win announced yesterday on Piping Press: ‘I’m quite honored by this, truly! I’m one of those people who is never fully satisfied with their creations, always thinking it falls short somehow, even if I like it!  Piobaireachd also offers so many ways to capture the right feeling, so you’re never really sure if you are on the right track….

Inveraray Concert at Ballymena – Incredible Solo from Steven McWhirter Plus Picture Gallery

As part of their 70th year celebrations, Ballybriest Pipe Band hosted what was described as a ‘brilliant’ evening of entertainment at the ‘Live in Ballymena’ concert at the Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena, Northern Ireland on Friday 4th May featuring current World Champion pipe band Inveraray & District. This was the first time that Inveraray have put on a concert in Northern Ireland and under the direction of Pipe Major Stuart…

PP Ed’s Blog: Piper Query/ World Drumming/ Quaich Livestream/ Aberdeen Teachers/ SPA/ Gransha

Reader Kylie McKenna: ‘I am hoping you and your readers might be able to help me. I am trying to find out if anyone can identify what tartan and pipe band my grandfather William Lamont may have been a member of at the time this photo (above and below) was taken. ‘He was from Leslie in Fife, and I do know he was a member of the Leslie Pipe Band…

Early Season Round-Up of Grade 2 and More – MacStig is Back!

Some say he can drive, others that he only drives pipe majors mad…others that his spare kilt is more black mark than Black Watch…..all we know is that we hang on his every word, so let’s hear a big warm welcome back for everyone’s favourite pipe band correspondent, the one and only MacStig!…. Spring has finally sprung, a bit like the oil leak in the petrol guzzler en route from…