A Review of Grade 2 at the 2017 European Championships

Grant Park, Forres, looked calm and pristine the night before proceedings, as the vendors were leaving the scene to return in the morning, writes our Special Correspondent. A small ceilidh was going on in the main marquee. The white lines were there to be seen and the circles of four arenas stood by to host the music makers of 110 bands for the 2017 European Championships. With very little darkness…

PP Ed’s Blog: Pipe Band Majors/ Ross & Cromarty P&D/ Small Highland Games

The debate over moving the European Pipe Band Championships to Forres will continue, particularly among bands who just can’t afford to journey up to the Moray Coast. Down the grades this is particularly inconvenient for Irish bands, few of whom, outwith Grade 1, attend. The reverse holds true for the UK Championships in Belfast with many Scottish bands electing to stay at home for that one. It all points to…

Inveraray & District Are European Pipe Bands Champions

Inveraray & District Pipe Band (pictured above courtesy Piping @ Forres) were crowned European Pipe Band Champions today after winning the Grade 1 contest at Forres on Scotland’s Moray Coast. The result means that the Argyllshire outfit, under the renowned P/M Stuart Liddell, now move clear at the head of the Champions of Champions table with two majors to go. In a nice touch the Inveraray band played a tune…

Ceres Games Results (Updated with Pictures)

The annual games were held in the picturesque Fife village of Ceres today with Ben Duncan emerging as Champion Piper though he tied on points with Ceol Mor winner Darach Urquhart. Conditions were  blustery but with sunny periods throughout the afternoon. The above picture shows the village and field where these traditional games are held. Piob 1 Darach Urquhart (pictured), Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay 2 Brian Mulhearn, Lament for…

Preview of the Grade 2 European Pipe Band Championship

The major pipe band championship wagon will again roll into the Highland town of Forres this Saturday for the Europeans, writes our Special Correspondent.  Past events have been blessed with improving weather, big crowds and excellent facilities in and around Grant Park. The local organisers really pull out the stops and bands have been welcomed into the bus park with hampers of goodies, visitors have enjoyed the food festival and…