CLASP currently publishes set-tune lists for its in-person competitions, while online competitions and the World Amateur Solo Piping Competition operate on an own-choice basis. I understand the practical reason for this. CLASP is an international organisation. Asking an overseas competitor to travel to Scotland for an in-person competition and preparing a prescribed repertoire is one thing; requiring an overseas competitor competing remotely to learn a set-tune list may be considerably…

I am writing this not as a criticism of any individual organisation, judge or competitor, but because I believe there is a wider issue concerning the development of adult amateur solo piping in Scotland and the pathway from amateur competition into the professional circuit. I am a Grade 1 CLASP competitor and have progressed through the CLASP grading system from Grade 3 onwards. Like many adult amateur pipers, I have…