Editor’s Notebook: Hypocrisy & Contradiction/ Northern Meeting Brooch/ NZ Piob./ John MacDougall 214 BB

There have been ongoing comments since my ‘What Price Forgiveness for P/M Gordon Walker‘ essay in October 2023. It has clearly struck a chord with readers. Most have been in agreement with the sentiments contained therein. There have been ‘contributions’ by ill-informed contrarians intent on indulging their prejudices, but nothing worthy of publication. Their arguments all fell at the first level of ratiocination. The Rev. Leslie Barrett, the noted amateur…

Proposal to End Difficulties Over Judges and Pupils

The problem of pupils being judged by teachers in piping competitions has caused much debate and division. For the past few years I have spent quite a bit of time using experiences from judging along with playing, and have formulated a plan which I believe solves these problems. By Colin MacLellan In reality, it is very simple, but perhaps appears less so when committed to paper, because every circumstance must…

Northern Ireland: Fermanagh Champs./ Leinster Contest/ Calendar/ Quartets/ Drum Majors

The good weather couldn’t have come at a better time when the County Fermanagh Championships took place on Saturday 23rd May 2026. Many congratulations to the County Fermanagh Section for finding an excellent venue for this first outdoor competition of the season.  The Castle Irvine Necarne Estate in Irvinestown is a real gem with plentiful car parking facilities as well as the dining / bar area of the indoor equine…

MacDougall Pipes For Sale/ CLASP Results

Well-known pipe maker Brian Mulhearn is selling a set of MacDougall Aberfeldy pipes. Brian says, ‘The pipes are circa. 1900 and have had some repairs but are a real connoisseur’s instrument with a lovely, mellow tone. The price is £2,500 and all inquiries to 01292 314300. CLASP, Piping Centre, in-person competition, 6th June 2026. All light music judged by Wilson Brown and piobaireachd Finlay Johnston. Overall (pictured l-r): Grade 3 Robin…

Markinch Games Results – Jnrs. Added

It was blustery, rainy, sunny and everything else in between, in the piping corner at Markinch, Fife. Champion Piper Ben Duncan is pictured above with his trophies. The results were as follows: Piobaireachd (28 entered), three tunes:1 Jonathon Simpson2 Craig Muirhead3 Callum Carn4 Ben Duncan Judges: A Forbes, D Fraser MSR (33 entered), three tunes of each:1 Ben Duncan2 David Bruce3 Cameron May4 Liam Nicolson Judges: J Banks, B Donaldson…