Lochaber Gathering (updated with pix and comment)

A long day of piping in the Nevis Centre, Fort William. Some very good playing with many pipers at the top of their form as you would expect a few days before Wednesday’s Argyllshire Gathering at Oban. Mid-afternoon Robert Wallace gave his tenth Lochaber Gathering Lecture. This year the subjects were the outstanding composers Peter MacLeod, Snr. and Jnr. with musical illustrations from Colin Campbell, Aberlour. At the close, prizes…

Grade 1 Review of Worlds Final/ Tain Games

We conclude our extensive coverage of the World Pipe Band Championships with a detailed look at the Grade 1 final from editor Robert Wallace.  There are comments on the individual band performances and some suggestions as to how an already excellent competition could be improved.  Read the article here and also check out our other features on the Worlds by clicking the relevant headings on this page. Going by yesterday’s readership figures…

Comments on the 2015 World Pipe Band Championships

Today we have the first part of our review of the competitions at Glasgow Green held last Friday and Saturday. It was a momentous day for the pipe band world and the ramifications are still being  considered by enthusiasts. Piping Press has been inundated with thousands of readers from every corner of the globe and we thank everyone for their interest. There is lots more on pipe bands in your…

World Pipe Band Championships 2015

In the end it took an Irishman to bring the Worlds title back to Scotland and in doing so P/M Ryan Canning’s achievement must rank among the very highest in pipe band history, writes Robert Wallace. Three years ago he inherited a  Shotts and Dykehead band that was mid to bottom end of the Grade 1 table – luck, or lack of it, was not involved, they were that poor….

Glenfinnan Games

For those not at the Worlds yesterday there was the opportunity to play at the most picturesque Highland games in the world, Glenfinnan. Finlay Johnston won the overall with Ian K MacDonald, Ontario, close behind. Ten played. Rapidly-changing weather throughout contest with three seasons in a day. The majestic photo of Ian K playing Lament for the Viscount of Dundee for Malcolm McRae is courtesy Emily Kate MacLellan. Piobaireachd: 1….