My Tribute to Balvenie Medal Winner John Wilson

This tribute was given in person at the Glenfiddich Championship held at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, on October 30, where the writer was Master of Ceremonies….. The Balvenie Medal is awarded annually at the Glenfiddich Championship to recognize a lifetime contribution to piping. It’s the giving back, selflessly giving of one’s self, that is the key criterion for the awarding of this prestigious medal. If I may use a term…

Bratach Gorm Results and Report and Complete London Championship Results

Piobaireachd for the Dr Calum MacCrimmon Bratach Gorm (7 tunes). This contest was held in the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, on the evening of November 5. It is open to Gold Medallists and of the London Gillies Cup for Open Piobaireachd. Eleven entered; two, John Angus Smith and Fred Morrison scratched. As regards other results please keep checking as these will be added as we get them. 1 Glenn Brown (pictured)…

The Glenfiddich Championship – A View from a Rookie Piobaireachd Player

For those of you who are regular readers of Piping Press this will be something of a departure from the usual informed reporting you might read here. However I would hope that it is an opportunity to consider a refreshing vision of last weekend’s Glenfiddich championship. Over a long period of time I have had a passing acquaintance with piobaireachd. I have always listened to it and in the 80s…

More Memories of Harry, Two Super Days at Cowal and the Great Trophy Theft

Last week’s tribute to Harry McAleer brought back many memories, writes Barry Donaldson. He was a close friend and a huge personality. Here is one of the many memories I have. When the band was at its best, the individual playing was world class and Harry was as good a player as anyone. The band photo marching up the street at Cowal on the Saturday morning [top] was taken in…

Glenfiddich Championship 2021 Results

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2021 is Jack Lee. He was placed second in ceòl mòr and third in light music to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Angus MacColl and third Finlay Johnston. The ‘live’ competition was held today in Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. It was also livestreamed for viewers around the world. Piobaireachd placings:1 Finlay Johnston, Lament for the Union2 Jack Lee, Lament for Colin Roy MacKenzie3…