Highlands & Islands Festival 2026 First Results

Very large entries in all Senior and Junior Grades. The competition was held in the Oban High School today, Saturday, May 2. P/A Ceol Mor for Cooper Salver (1st) and Dugald MacColl Memorial Trophy (2nd).1 Brodie Watson-Massey, Port Urlar2 Sandy Cameron, Earl of Ross 3 Sarah Muir, Donald Duaghal MacKay4 Angus MacPhee, Blind Piper P/A MSR1 Sarah Muir2 Ross Conner3 Callum Wynd4 Cameron May B Ceol Mor1 Calum Carn, Dro…

Editor’s Notebook: Band Attitudes/ Jennifer Query/ Chariots of Fire/ Ross Record/ Highland & Islands Fest

I found some of the responses to the worries over the numbers of bands in Grade 1 disappointing but not untypical of grassroots attitudes in the pipe band world. Something’s wrong, therefore criticise those who offer solutions whilst offering none yourself. Strange, but not uncommon. We met the same grumblers when we proposed an open semi circle instead of the circle arrangement for Grade 1. Sadly the grumblers have prevailed….

Band Judges Announced/ Atlantic Canada Results

The RSPBA Adjudicator Panel has announced the following piping, drumming and ensemble judging allocations for the forthcoming pipe band championship season. These allocations may be altered as required due to unforeseen circumstances: Entries have now closed for the British and UK Championships. Deadlines for the others are May 13 (Scottish), June 10 (Europeans), July 1 (Worlds). Atlantic CanadaOn Saturday, April 25th, we had the Atlantic Canada Piobaireachd Challenge which took…

NZ Youth Band Album/ Wheel of Fortune Results

A debut album released by the National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand, ‘Bound by Sound’ comprises a ten‑track showcase of the country’s emerging talent, writes Liam Kernaghan. Recorded over three days in December 2025, the album blends the Scottish tradition with the modern Kiwi revival. Piping and drumming are booming again among young New Zealanders, and everyone on the album carries their own personal thread in that story.  ”Bound…

Editor’s Notebook: Grade 1 Bands/ Scots Guards KO/ Scholarship/ Highland Pipers

Knowledgeable attendees are reporting a very high standard of performance at last week’s band contest at Huntly, Aberdeenshire. I’m told four Grade 2 bands, Buchan Peterson, Grampian Police, Texo Deeside and Bucksburn, would not disgrace themselves in Grade 1. Given the dwindling numbers in that grade, this has to be good news. This week’s G1 draw for the British Championships at Ingliston on May 30 sports a grand total of…