Category: Solo Piping

Editor’s Notebook: Gourock Contest/ Kohima Tune/ Michael the Monk/ JB Robertson

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No Grade 1 bands at Gourock last Sunday. Perfect weather, good transport. Where were Glasgow & the West’s Shotts, Police Federation, Scottish Power, Inveraray and Johnstone? In my day this branch was the heartbeat not only of Scotland’s pipe banding but of the world movement itself. The first contest of the year would have had the top bands clamouring for an early season run out. Was it lack of notice,…

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Northern Ireland News: Trophy Return Threat/ Antrim Indoor/ Leinster Contest / New President

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The RSPBANI Branch Executive Committee is threatening to suspend bands over the late return of trophies. A significant number, including some from previous years, have yet to be returned. The committee expressed particular concern over memorial trophies, which hold deep sentimental value for the families or bands who have generously donated them. These trophies are intended to be presented annually, and failure to return them undermines the respect and recognition…

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‘Life, Times and Music of John Macdonald, Inverness’, by John H Shone – A Review

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The name of John Macdonald, Inverness, must be one of the best known and illustrious in piping history. However, until now, there has not been a single account of his life and his influence on the development of piping, and piobaireachd in particular, during a critical period towards the end of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. By Alan Forbes John Shone has put that right in his…

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RU Brown Gold Medal Results

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This annual competition was held over two days in St Aloysius College, Adelaide, South Australia, last weekend. The winner of the Gold Medal was Dan Nevans from Airdrie (pictured with trophy and medal). Clasp for Former Winners (four tunes): 1 Martin Frewen – Earl of Ross’s March – (AUD$2,000) 2 Struan Thorpe ($1,000) 3 Jonathan Quay ($600) Gold Medal (four tunes): 1 Dan Nevans – Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute – ($900)…

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Highlands & Islands Festival Report

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I don’t think we ladle on enough praise to the volunteers who keep the wheels of piping progress so well oiled with their cheery energy and dedication. A case in point was last Saturday’s Highlands & Islands Festival in Oban. For close on nine hours Convenor Iain Hurst and his team were run off their feet trying to corral youngsters to their allotted classrooms and at the same time keeping…

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