Editor’s Notebook: William Fraser & Bob Brown/ Desperate Battle Event/ Newtonards Contest/ Weekend Solos

I discovered this old picture in a rummage through the PP library. It is of one William Fraser the man who started Bob Brown on the chanter. Little did he know the favour he was doing piping. Brown went on to have further lessons from P/M George Allan [he of the Donald MacLeod hornpipe] and then John MacDonald, Inverness, and the rest you know, or should know. Jimmy McIntosh’s excellent…

Inverness Games Results/ Bowhill Entry

Around 7000 people attended last Saturday’s Inverness Highland Games, held in the spacious Bught Park, writes Les Hutt. There were nine competitors in the adult piping. The overall winner in the senior events was Angus MacPhee (pictured).  Inverness Games is the first event in the Glass Chanter contest for senior piping at the Highland Games in the north. Angus is the current holder. Inverness Games results were as follows: Piobaireachd…

Review: UK Pipe Band Championships

In many respects the Royal Highland Show grounds at Ingliston are ideal for a pipe band championship. Plenty of space for tuning, parking. However the site is very exposed. Wind and rain and there would be a distinct lack of shelter. Fortunately last Saturdays UK Championships were held in perfect conditions: bright sunshine with a cooling breeze. Engine noise from the nearby Edinburgh Airport was a minimal distraction. By Robert…

Editor’s Notebook: Champion of Champions/ Glass Chanter/ Ross Miller/ Inveraray Draw/ Book Search

My view is that the RSPBA should have cancelled the Grade 1 contest at the Ingliston UKs tomorrow. It really is no contest at all when there are only three bands taking part. Nor does it do these bands any favours guaranteeing them Champion of Champions points for turning up. Should they place well in the final CoC tables they will always be condemned for their ‘UK appearance points’. No,…

Kenmore Games/ Johnstone Pipe Band/ Euro Draw

Despite fluctuating weather forecast predictions, it turned out to be a warm, dry night at this week’s Kenmore Games, writes Jen Mackintosh.  Even the midgies were kind enough to hold off until nearly the end!  Although a small number of entries, it was a good competition with some fine playing, and judge Ronnie Clark was encouraging in his praise when speaking at the prize giving. Above are the winners pictured…