CLASP Results

There was a good turn out for the first CLASP in-person competition of 2024 held in Glasgow on Saturday 13th January, writes Margaret Houlihan. Above is a picture of the Overall Winners, in Grade 1 John Frater (centre), in Grade 2 Donald Morrison (right), and in Grade 3 Adam Aitchison. The judges were Sandy Cameron (light music) and Eireann Iannetta-MacKay. Grade 1 Piobaireachd: 1 Con Houlihan  2 Eddie Boland 3 Graham Farr…

Editor’s Notebook: RSPBA Branch Reorganisation/ Prize Pipes/ Cailean’s Card/ NZ School/ Edinburgh Police Solos 1971

Whilst we are focussed on the matter of the ‘missing majors’ I think it would also be sensible if the RSPBA formally rationalised their branches. It is a good while now since the demise of the Fife and Central Scotland branches with their bands being absorbed into either Lothian & Borders or Dundee, Perth & Angus. But the names no longer make sense. All the former Central Scotland Branch bands…

Editor’s Notebook: Robert’s Top Job/ Mull of Kintyre/ Tools for Sale/ Pipers’ Persuasion/ Northern Meeting 1996

I hear that Robert Mathieson (pictured) has taken on the role of Convenor of the RSPBA’s Adjudicator’s Panel Management Board. Best man for the job, and the Board of Directors should not be slow in approaching him for ideas about how to solve the ‘missing majors’ crisis. Indeed there are several individuals on the APMB whose experience and knowledge should be drafted in to help. It’s got to be all…

CLASP 11th November 2023 –  ‘Live Online’ Results

The Grade 1 Overall winner of this competition receives an invitation to compete in a new CLASP online competition called ‘The World Amateur Solo Piping Champion of Champions’, 2024. This competition launched to celebrate 20 years of CLASP and aims to showcase the best 10 amateur solo pipers in the world using an online platform where audience members can attend. By Margaret Houlihan The competition will run in April 2024…

History: A Look Back 30 Years to Piping on Canada’s West Coast

The following is from the British Columbia Pipers’ Society Newsletter of December 1992…. Jack Lee Brings Home the Bratach Gorm….On Saturday, November 7th, Jack won the prestigious Bratach Gorm in London, England. Competing against 11 Scots and one other Canadian, he brought the banner to Canada for the very first time. He played the piobaireachd Lord Lovat’s Lament, that memorable tribute to Simon Fraser of the ’45. Jack’s great win,…