Category: Pipe Bands

PP Ed’s Blog: Judging Debacle/ NPC Juniors/ Martin at New Year/ Boghall Concert/ Blackthorn

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The interesting aspect of the Argyllshire Gathering’s statement on the recent judges debacle is the very fact that they were prepared to say anything at all. Reading between the lines they clearly have misgivings about this shameful ruling, a ruling based on no evidence but which implicitly (perhaps explicitly) deems that there has been corruption in the past and that the judges themselves have admitted it. Oban have said they will…

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Oban Gold Medallist Richard Hawke Steps Down at Canterbury

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Oban and Braemar Gold Medallist Richard Hawke is to step down  from his position as Pipe Major of New Zealand’s successful Canterbury Caledonia Pipe Band. Despite this change the band is still scheduled to play at the Worlds next August. In a statement, Band Chairman Richard Smith said: ‘Current New Zealand Grade 1 Champion Pipe Band, Canterbury Caledonian Society, has announced some key leadership role changes to take effect after the…

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Superb Set of Henderson Pipes is Offered for Sale

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It is not often a classic bagpipe such as that offered for sale on Piping Press today becomes available. The instrument is a 1908 Peter Henderson bagpipe in silver and ivory. It has a considerable pedigree. Owner Neil Clark bought the bagpipe from Pipe Major Ian Duncan of the Atholl Highlanders a couple of years ago but since retiring from competing now feels that such a quality instrument should be…

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The Positive Influence Piobaireachd Has on a Band’s Pipe Corps

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The following article by Northern Ireland-based RSPBA Adjudicator Winston Pollock, was written almost 15 years ago. It is still as relevant today as it was then. In it Winston talks of how ceol mor was introduced into the Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School, the early tutors being John Wilson and Andrew Wright. The writer’s comments were  prescient with many pipers going on to achieve significant success in this music. …

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PP Ed’s Blog: Junior Contests/ School Champs./ Hugh’s Picture/ Tattoo Piper/ I’ray Concert

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With the demise of the Craigmount Junior solos is there any competition for young pipers in the city of Edinburgh? If not I hope someone steps forward to fill the gap. The capital has a much changed piping landscape since the great days of the Eagle Pipers Professional contest held each November, the British Legion contest and the Edinburgh Police contest. Maybe there were no junior contests back then either,…

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