Review: 2026 Worlds Grade 1

On Friday I wrote that after hearing all of the Grade 1 Medley I had three bands out on their own and one I would back to take the title. The three were St Laurence O’Toole, Fife Police and Simon Fraser University – and my cash was on SFU. Not only did P/M Bevan’s boys (and girls) take the Friday Medley, but they also won the Saturday one too and…

Worlds Day 1: Juvenile and Novice Results (updated with comment and pictures)

The first day of the World Pipe Championships saw the first two heats of the Grade 1 competition, two heats of Grade 2 and the Novice and Juvenile Championships. Glasgow Green was warm and almost perfect for pipe bands – no harsh sun, dry, with only a little breeze. After a hard fought contest George Watson’ College were crowned Juvenile Champions, North Lanarkshire Schools Novice A Champions, and St Thomas…

Review: 78th Frasers World’s Week Concert

TRUE NORTH STRONG was the title of the 2026 World’s Week concert given in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall by the world-famous Canadian pipe band, the 78th Fraser Highlanders. Under the leadership of P/M Michael Grey and L/D Kyle Wardell the band delivered a feast of musical entertainment presented with a sense of pure theatre – themed, atmospheric and including a backing group, Highland dancers, two superb singers, as well as…

Piobaireachd Society Concert 2026/ CLASP Results

Our recital, ‘Classical Pipe Music – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure’, part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, was once again a resounding success. It was held in St Cecilia’s Hall last Sunday, August 9th. Ninety-five people were present buying tickets on the door or via the festival box office. The format has changed a little over the years but the basic structure has remained the same. Pipers play piobaireachd to an interested and…

Pipe Band Commentary – Readers Have Their Say

Our readers have been exercising their keyboards covering Worlds qualifying, bands travelling to compete and various arrangements at the recent Scottish Championships…… Dave Gatcum: Perhaps it’s time to look at lower grades qualifying to compete at the Worlds. I’m not sure it’s a great thing to have lower grades playing at silly o’clock in the morning to see if they qualify – spending thousands of pounds to be told they’re…