Time for a first look back at this year’s Northern Meeting, one of the great gatherings in world solo piping, writes the Editor. I had a chat with P/M Ian McLellan, a senior adjudicator on the Former Winners’ MSR bench. He is concerned about the homogenisation of bagpipe sound and the lack of depth in many instruments. Ian, of course, needs no introduction to anyone in the pipe band or…
Firstly a mention for young Lewis Russell winner of the MacGregor Memorial piobaireachd competition, writes the Editor. This is a tough challenge for the aspiring young professional. Entrants have to play once in a qualifying heat and again in the final if they make it through. Lewis (17), from Livingston, has been taught since age 10 by Andrew Frater from Uphall. Andrew said: ‘Lewis is a natural player and very…
Well that’s the Argyllshire over for another year, and despite the difficulties some individuals try to throw in the way of this great gathering, I think it would be fair to say it all went off with nary a hitch, writes the Editor. All credit to Piping Convenor Torquil Telfer, his assistant Jamie Mellor and their stewards. From speaking to the judges we had the usual mix of brilliant performances…
What an incredible success at last week’s Worlds for our juvenile pipe bands in the Highland & Islands area. Step forward Niall Stewart (Lochalsh Juniors Novice B World Champions), Niall Matheson (RACPADS Novice A World Champions), Angus MacColl (Oban High School Novice B runners-up), Donald Ban out in Benbecula (Sgoil Lionacleit, 6th in Nov. B) and all the other terrific instructors doing such great work in the north and west. This…
A few free days before the Worlds allowed an escape to the wonderful Isle of Skye and an opportunity to listen to some top class piobaireachd, writes the Editor. Portree was sunny and pleasant when I arrived, though the venue, the Skye Gathering Hall, cool. I missed the first two tunes in the Dunvegan Medal but was fortunate to hear the winning performance by Ian K MacDonald from Toronto. No…
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