Remembering P/M Hamilton Workman, HLI

Wouldn’t it be interesting to go back in time to piping contests held in the late 1950s-60s and see all the legends of piping from that era? Think of the bigger than life names, such as John MacFayden, Donald MacPherson, John D Burgess, Donald MacLeod, and many others.  One name, maybe not as prominent, but certainly competitive, would have been Hamilton Workman. Hammie, as he was affectionately known to me…

SPA Professional Contest 2026 – Full Results

The annual professional competition run by the Scottish Pipers’ Association was held at the Piping Centre in Glasgow today, April 11. There was a good entry in all categories. The competition was sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society and the Competing Pipers’ Association. Champion Piper was Cameron May (pictured above). Four prizes and five places in each category. President Logan Tannock thanked the stewards who were on duty throughout the day from…

PS Set Tunes for 2027 Announced/ CLASP Results

The Music Committee of the Piobaireachd Society has announced the recommended set tunes for 2027. Competitors for the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meeting will be required to submit eight tunes of their own choice. Competitors for the Silver Medal at both competitions will be required to submit six tunes of their own choice. Senior competitions as per 2026. More information here. CLASP…

Piobaireachd Society Conference Final Details

The Piobaireachd Society Conference at the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling, this weekend March 27-29. This local landmark is right in the centre of town, on King Street, less than 10 minutes walk from both the bus and train stations. It has a long history, the most famous guest perhaps being Robert Burns who scratched a poem on one of the windows. By Peter McCalister, PS Vice President Stirling Castle is…

History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981, Part 3

We continue with our article from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison, their piping correspondent at the time. Having dealt with the Gold Medal, he now reports on the other events….. Former Winners Piobaireachd Competition: This took place in the Phoenix Cinema. Eight tunes were set and each competitor had to select four tunes, one of which he was asked to play. Eight competitors…