Category: Reviews

Review: The Inaugural London Recital

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As pukka piping dos go it would be hard to better the London Recital. Black tie, beautiful room, superb wines, Raasay whisky, and gourmet canapès, and – more important than anything – brilliant piping from the fingers of two of the best, Iain Speirs and Angus MacColl. So here’s how it went. We gathered last Thursday evening in Dover House in Whitehall by kind permission of the Secretary of State…

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Florida Pipe & Drum Academy/ RSPBA Regradings/ Drumming Festival

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Director Chris McKeown has announced dates and a new venue for the annual Florida Pipe & Drum Academy. The 2026 school will be held from February 22 – 27 at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida. Chris writes: ‘We’re planning something you won’t want to miss, and we hope to see you there. We are at a new venue where meals and lodging are part of your…

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Invited Pipers for Lochnell Championship Announced

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The Argyllshire Gathering Trust is delighted to announce that the Lochnell Intermediate Championship will be held at Lochnell Castle, Benderloch, on Saturday, 11th October 2025. This is by kind permission of the Earl of Dundonald and arranged by his son Lord Archie Cochrane and Hattie Mellor. Invited pipers are all prominent winners on the 2025 solo circuit and are aged under 22: Bobby Allen, Douglas Baird, Kyle Cameron, Calum Dunbar, Christopher…

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Review: ‘The Ivernia Collection’ by Tim Farrelly 

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Ivernia is one of the oldest recorded names for Ireland and this book contains many old melodies and contemporary pipe music from that island. The compiler, Tim Farrelly, is the current P/M of Grade 2 St Joseph’s PB, Clondalkin. His upbringing in piping has been strongly influenced by the Irish traditional music scene and in this book he pays tribute to a variety of individuals who have shaped his music,…

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Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Comments/ RT Shepherd/ Eilidh’s Trust/ PS Summer School

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A respected figure in the pipe band movement has commented on the Worlds and the current arrangements at Glasgow Green. His views follow yesterday’s from RSPBA Chairman Bob Niven but are not related. Our correspondent asked us not to publish his name. He writes: ‘Did everyone enjoy the World Championships this year? I listened to the Grade 2 MSR in the morning and, with the exception of Glasgow Skye, who…

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