Category: Reviews

Braemar Gathering Results

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One of the last Highland games of the summer was held in fine conditions today. HM King Charles and HM Queen Camilla were in attendance, continuing a royal tradition dating back to the time of Queen Victoria. The king of the piping boards was overall champion , with the coveted piobaireachd Gold Medal and light music going to Angus MacPhee. Piobaireachd, eight tunes asked for, 17 played1 Angus MacPhee, I…

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Editor’s Notebook: Piobaireachd Champions/ Joe Noble’s Funeral/ Scots Guards KO Draw/ Kilberry Castle/ Balmoral Classic/ Games Round-Up

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All congratulations to Alasdair Henderson and Nick Hudson, pictured above, on winning the two major piobaireachd awards of the summer, the Senior Piobaireachd at Oban and the Clasp at Inverness. Both are first time champions at this level. Why are these the highest ceòl mòr awards in world piping? The tunes are from a set list of the most difficult in the canon, your chosen piece is given only 20…

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News from Across the Water: SLOT win All Irelands/ Tribute Band/ September Solos

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From early morning pipe bands and spectators from home and abroad descended on the grounds of  Newbridge House, Donabate, County Dublin, for the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships – and what a great day of musical entertainment and competition it was. Grade 1 is always a tight affair, and this year was no different. St Laurence O’Toole took the early initiative by winning the MSR, giving them a two point lead. Despite Field…

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Leading Drummer Joe Noble 1942 – 2024

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The death had been reported of well-known drummer and former RSPBA adjudicator, Joe Noble. He was 82. Joe had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and died at home in Bearsden, Glasgow. He started his drumming career in the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys’ Brigade. He originally wanted to be a piper but as the company band had a surfeit, and a shortage of drummers, he was encouraged to switch…

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P/M Malcolm M Mackenzie 1936 – 2024

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The death had been reported of P/M Malcolm ‘Malky’ Mackenzie, a huge figure in the pipe band movement for over 50 years. He was 85. His son Donald, also a noted piper, said: ‘It is with a heavy heart I report the passing of my dad. He passed away this morning after a short battle with mesothelioma. ‘The piping world was his life’s passion and he made many, many friends…

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