Editor’s Notebook: Uist & Barra/ Judges Training/ Glasgow Skye/ Lochaber Juniors/ Watson’s Results

To Otago Street tomorrow for the Uist & Barra. A stellar line up of top pipers should guarantee some excellent music. Those playing are Callum Beaumont, Calum Brown, Sandy Cameron, Ben Duncan, Jamie Forrester, Finlay Johnson, Steven Leask, Angus MacColl, Sarah Muir, Connor Sinclair, and Brodie Watson-Massey. New Piping Convenor, Innes Scullion, tells me that the invites have all been based on a transparent list of qualifying events – just…

Dysart & Dundonald Worlds Success and Readers’ Response to Historic Photos

Since the beginning of the World Championships under the (R)SPBA in 1947, there is no doubt that Dysart and Dundonald’s rapid progress and Worlds achievement was a first.  ‘The Dysart’ were upgraded to Grade 1 at the close of season 1972 and their impact was immediate.  At Ayr in 1973 they placed 5th, at Stirling in 1974 they placed 2nd, at Corby in 1975 they placed 3rd, at Hawick in…

Dysart & Dundonald Pipe Band in the 1970s

Thanks to reader Peter Reilly for forwarding the above picture. It is of the famous Dysart & Dondonald pictured during rehearsals for the Worlds at either Corby in 1975 or Nottingham in 1979, writes the Editor. We are trying to confirm the date and identify all of those pictured. There is also a suggestion that Dysart won the Worlds drum corps title at Corby. All information gratefully received. Please reply…

Editor’s Notebook: Judges Training/ RSPBA Website/ St Columba’s Concert/ Pipes ID/ Gloria Aicken

When chatting to Jack Lee before his Talk Piobaireachd presentation this week we rounded on the need for continuous professional development (CPD) among judges and teachers. It was this that made sessions such as TP so valuable. CPD is common in all walks of professional life and piping should be no different. Jack’s tunes were the Earl of Seaforth’s Salute and the King’s Taxes. Both I have played and taught…

Reviews: Ben Duncan Recital/ Airdrie Recital Videos

The piping recital season is in full swing in Scotland and indicative of a healthy desire among enthusiasts to hear top class, live piping. Today Les Hutt reports on a recent recital in Inverness and we have short videos giving a flavour of the highly successful recital/ fundraiser held in Lanarkshire last Friday…… For a second time this season, Inverness Piping Society’s recital coincided with a weather warning, writes Les Hutt. Fortunately this…