All Ireland Results/ London Reminder/ Band Regradings

Reminder: Andrew Hall, President of the Scottish Piping Society of London, has asked us to remind everyone that entries for this year’s competition close on September 30th and that late entries will not be accepted. The draw for the competition will be announced early next month. Andrew added: ‘We are particularly keen to encourage more juvenile entries.  There are three events in that grade which are all own choice tunes. …

Northern Meeting 2016 – The Former Winners’ March, Strathspey & Reel

Our first report from this year’s Northern Meeting covers the premier ceol beag event, the Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and Reel held in Eden Court Theatre on the evening of the first day of the Meeting. Just to qualify to play in this competition is a considerable achievement – you must have won the now amalgamated  ‘A’ grade MSR or the previously separate Northern Meeting ‘A’ March or ‘A’ Strathspey &…

Cowal Gathering and the Need to Recognise Our Champion of Champions Winners

A few weeks ago we asked the question ‘Do we need to rethink the Champion of Champions Awards’? It was borne of a notion that these awards, when announced at the Worlds, get lost amid all the other excitement and celebration, writes the Editor. Our view is that the Champion of Champions titles should not be sniffed at. As we pointed out, to come top of the league says a…

Reflections on the Argyllshire Gathering 2016 – Silver & Gold Medals

I judged the Oban Silver Medal with Ian Duncan and Malcolm McRae. I remind readers of the statement top left on this page. The standard has been better. I don’t know if it was the tuning facility in the rather dank Ceilidh House, but too many pipers just didn’t have settled instruments on which to demonstrate their prowess. As stated earlier, the winner was Nick Hudson, Pittsburgh, USA. His tune…

Vale Drummers/ CLASP Results/Boghall Recruitment

Fiona MacKay: ‘The Vale of Atholl Grade 1 Pipe Band has announced the departure of Leading Drummer Lee Lawson.  Lee took a sabbatical from the band mid-season for personal reasons and unfortunately will not be able to continue with the Grade 1 band as we set our sights on preparing for the 2017 season. We would like to thank Lee for her contribution and the band will shortly provide a…