Highland Games Round-up: Ballater, Crieff, Helmsdale

Ballater Games were held last Thursday with a very low turnout – another consequence of Worlds Week. Helmsdale Games in the far north were on Saturday, August 15 and Crieff yesterday, August 16. Pictured above is Champion Piper at Helmsdale, Angus MacPhee. Thursday 13th August saw the Ballater Highland Games in upper Deeside, writes Duncan Watson. It is a popular venue for tourists and was well attended. The weather was pleasantly warm…

Glenfinnan Gathering and Nairn Games Results

Entries at both these games were severely affected by the date clash with the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Conditions were generally good with healthy attendances of tourists and locals. At Glenfinnan there was a clean sweep for Calum Craib who won all senior events. Runner-up in all categories was Archie Clark with Ruairidh MacDonald third in the Strathspey and Reel. Pictured above is Calum Craib receiving his trophy…

Worlds 2026 Results: SFU Take Title after 17 Years

Simon Fraser University won the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions title today at Glasgow Green. It was P/M Alan Bevan’s first Worlds title. Runners-up were Field Marshal. 211 bands took part across all grades over two days of competition. Conditions were perfect: cool and dry. The RSPBA summary sheets showed the final totals. The Grade 1 title was earned before 16 judges. Thirteen bands competed. Grade 1 (four legs, 2 MSRs, 2…

Worlds Day 1: Juvenile and Novice Results (updated with comment and pictures)

The first day of the World Pipe Championships saw the first two heats of the Grade 1 competition, two heats of Grade 2 and the Novice and Juvenile Championships. Glasgow Green was warm and almost perfect for pipe bands – no harsh sun, dry, with only a little breeze. After a hard fought contest George Watson’ College were crowned Juvenile Champions, North Lanarkshire Schools Novice A Champions, and St Thomas…

Review: 78th Frasers World’s Week Concert

TRUE NORTH STRONG was the title of the 2026 World’s Week concert given in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall by the world-famous Canadian pipe band, the 78th Fraser Highlanders. Under the leadership of P/M Michael Grey and L/D Kyle Wardell the band delivered a feast of musical entertainment presented with a sense of pure theatre – themed, atmospheric and including a backing group, Highland dancers, two superb singers, as well as…