Glenfiddich Championship 2023 Results

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2023 is Callum Beaumont. He was placed first in ceòl mòr and won by piobaireachd preference over Finlay Johnston. There was a very large audience in the great hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, and the event was also live-streamed. Pictured above is Alex Gandy winner of the MSR. Piobaireachd placings:1 Callum Beaumont, Lament for MacLeod of Colbeck2 Finlay Johnston3 Fred Morrison4 Bruce Gandy5 Angus MacColl…

Editor’s Notebook: Cowal Gathering/ Peter MacFarquhar/ Masters of Piobaireachd/ Reminders/ Kinglassie PB

There are strong rumours, more than that actually, that next year’s Cowal Grade 1 pipe band competition is to be given a significant cash boost: a four figure first prize, perhaps circa. £2,000. Good money for the places too, with a total fund of £5,000. That would put Cowal back on the pipe band map wouldn’t it? Last year there was no G1 contest. I’m still hoping that some sort…

Scottish Pipe Band Launch Funding Plea after Extensive Flood Damage Ruins Practice Hall

Craig Black, Pipe Major of the City of Brechin Pipe Band (above), has been in touch following the recent flooding disaster in the Angus area of Scotland.  He writes: ‘Our band is the oldest civilian pipe band having been formed in 1878. We are a self-funded band which provides free tuition for all ages and practice once a week at our hall. ‘The flooding in Brechin caused by Storm Babet…

Review: Lochnell Intermediate Piping Championship 2023

My words last week about our tradition being secure with the younger generation of pipers was here manifest. The ceòl mòr began with a fine rendition of the Daughter’s Lament from Luke Kennedy. Composed, controlled, he glided through this difficult piece making light work of the top hand technicals. It was as an assured a delivery as one could have hoped for. Dissonance of drone intruded towards the end, but…

Festival of Juvenile Piping Results

This competition has been going for more than 20 years but unfortunately due to a lack of sponsorship will no longer be held. It was always a very well supported competition attracting youngsters from all over Scotland. The final event was held yesterday, October 21 in Ardrossan Academy, Ayrshire. 10yrs & Under Chanter: 1 Ethan Donnachy 2 Laura Shennan 3 Harris Park 11yrs & Under Chanter: 1 Ruby Warren 2 Jock…