Reflections on the Silver Chanter and Skye Gathering

It is just a week since the Silver Chanter and the important piping competitions held at Portree as part of the Skye Gathering, writes the Editor. Entries for the Dunvegan Medal topped 29 and looking down the list it seems to me that it may be time for the promoters to limit these to those graded B+ upwards. This competition really is not for anyone below that standard. Pipers without…

Sandy’s New Chanter

The winner of the 58th Silver Chanter was Sandy Cameron, Roy Bridge. His tune was the Lament for Macleod of Colbeck. It was Sandy’s first win of the prestigious award. The recital / competition was held last night before a large audience at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Gaelic College, Sleat, isle of Skye. The sponsors were Torabhaig Malt Whisky, the Piobaireachd Society and the College. By Peter McCalister Sandy qualified for…

Mull Games Results

Scotland’s ferry fiasco continues to cause severe disruption to life in the inner and outer Hebrides, writes the Editor. You cannot go about your business confident that you will be able to get off or on to a particular island at a particular time. Tobermory and Mull are no different and ‘boat issues’ meant late arrivals and early departures for many participants at the annual games held yesterday, July 24,…

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…