Editor’s Notebook: Ensemble Judges/ SPA Nights/ Inveraray Show/ MacLean request/ Peter Bain/ Cancale

This week’s anonymous contributor should be thanked for raising the matter of wandering ensemble judges. Personally I felt that he wrote well but was guilty of pipe band overthink. Get up close to the tenor drummers to see if they are integrating with those around them. Really? What is ensemble if it is not an assessment of the entire package, pipes and drums, and how well they work together? I…

The Ensemble Walkabout – An Opinion Piece

The author of this article has asked to remain anonymous. We publish it in the interest of encouraging debate on this important topic for pipe bands….. The circles may have faded, the grass will have been cut. The shadows have more than lengthened on the outdoor pipe band season. Barring a trip to Peebles or Pitlochry, we’re done. I read the Editor’s review of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships…

Editor’s Notebook: John Cruickshank VC/ Glasgow Skye/ Helmsdale Results/ Lorient Bagads/ Weekend Games

The death has been announced of war hero John Cruickshank VC, Aberdeen. He was 105. Readers will recall the tune competition the Royal Northern & University Club and Piping Press ran for a march to honour Mr Cruickshank’s and his remarkable bravery. The result was a fine 6/8 by South African composer and piper Dave Mason. It was presented and played to Mr Cruickshank at a dinner in Aberdeen. It…

Worlds 2025 – Review Part 3

This year the weather was fair and warm both days and the new ‘junior’ format on the Friday appeared to be well received despite criticism when it was first announced.  Unfortunately, the Novice Juvenile B Final finished rather late, so that probably needs to be addressed by the RSPBA if the format is to be continued next year.  One bonus, however, was that the Saturday was less cluttered for the…

Worlds 2025 – Review Part 2

On Friday August 15th I attended the World Pipe Championships at Glasgow Green and due to my travel arrangements I was unable to listen to any of the Grade 1 performances. The remainder of the day was not to be wasted however, as an afternoon of Juvenile competition was about to commence and for me that began at the main arena with performances from the five entrants. By Gilbert Cromie…