Further Observations on the World Pipe Band Championships 2024

The publicity for this year’s event referred to Glasgow hosting the Championships in 1948 and continuously since 1986.  The first WPBC under the then SPBA were actually held in Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium in 1947, Cowal having previously been recognised as the World Championship.  For those readers interested in history, 1947 was also the year the Edinburgh International Festival was created, and the first official Tattoo was held at Edinburgh Castle…

Review: World Pipe Band Championships Day 1

A cool, breezy morning greeted the bands for the first two legs of the Grade 1 Worlds 2024. I listened to the complete contest from edge of the arena with extraneous noise apparent. I had Inveraray just ahead after two excellent runs. Field Marshal not far away, after, in my book, winning the MSR. Inveraray were out on their own in the Medley, really nailed it. By Robert Wallace The…

Review: Grade 2 Thoughts from the Worlds

I sat through most of Grade 2 on Day 2. Unfortunately I was called away and missed the winners, Ravara. All credit to Samual Connolly and his band. Be interesting to see if they go up to Grade 1 or not. Listening on YouTube they were clearly on form. Judge for yourself here. Of the others I was impressed by Glasgow Skye and thought they’d be placed higher. Nudging on…

Worlds 2024 Results: Inveraray for the Third Time

Inveraray & District, under P/M Stuart Liddell MBE, are the new World Pipe Band Champions. They were placed first ahead of Field Marshal Montgomery today at Glasgow Green. Inveraray also took the drumming Medley title. It was Inveraray’s third Worlds win. 204 bands took part across all grades. Conditions were mostly dry, cool and breezy. The RSPBA summary sheets showed the final totals. The Grade 1 title was earned over two days…

Lonach Gathering Information/ National Mod Entries

The Lonach Gathering, on August 24, is the culmination of four days of outstanding piping coming as it does immediately after the Argyllshire Gathering at Oban (August 20&21) and the Lochaber Gathering in Fort William (August 23), writes Piping Convenor Jack Taylor. Lonach Gathering, in north east Scotland’s Strathdon, is well worth a visit. The winner of the Piobaireachd is awarded the Charles Morrison Medal and £500, with £300 for…