Caritas Banner Grows in Stature

The Caritas Banner competition for under 18 piobaireachd playing was held yesterday, November 30, in the premises of its founders, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. There were more than 60 young entrants from all over Scotland, and one even travelled from North Wales to take part. By Robert Wallace There were three events, Under 18 (two tunes required), 14&Under (own choice) and 14&Under Ground and Variation. Results were as follows: Under…

Caritas Banner/ Mallaig Tune/ CLASP Results

We are delighted to be hosting the 3rd Caritas Banner Piobaireachd Competition for pipers aged 18 & Under this coming Sunday (Nov.30), writes Ben Duncan. The event will be held in the George Watson’s College Music School. (See map, music school circled yellow, top left.) Doors open 7.45am for an 8.30am start in all events. They are as follows: 14 & Under Urlar and Variation; 14 & Under Piobaireachd; 18…

History: Mull Games More than Sixty Years Ago

Old programmes and publicity pamphlets are an excellent record of piping competitions and Highland Games, writes the Editor. Calum Maclean, Tobermory, has forwarded a couple from the Mull Games of the 1960s. In 1965 the date and venue were more less the same as today. Duty band was the Ceannloch Pipe Band from Campbeltown under ‘P/M MacCallum’ and ‘Drum Major Lang’. Can anyone give us more information on these two…

Northern Ireland Bucks the Trend – New Bands Forming

Several RSPBA NI Branch bands are proposing to launch second bands to compete in the 2026 season. Bangor-based Cleland Memorial has announced that they are launching a Grade 4B band and are seeking pipers and drummers who are looking for a fresh start, a new challenge, or to get back into playing. Cleland has an outstanding record of producing talented players as witnessed by those who attend the Blackthorn Pipers…

Northern Ireland: What chance of a United Kingdom Championships? 

The latest minutes of an RSPBA Directors meeting which took place  by video conference on Saturday 4th October indicate the dates of four of next season’s RSPBA Major contests, namely the British on 30th May at Ingliston, Europeans on 27th June at Perth, Scottish on 25th July in Dumbarton, and the Worlds on 14th/15th August at Glasgow Green. Only four majors, but no mention of a United Kingdom Championships and…