A Short Review from the Atholl Gathering 2022

This year’s Atholl Gathering piping was run very efficiently with something for solo pipers at every level. The day started brightly but conditions deteriorated as the day went on with cloud, cold winds and rain showers. Nevertheless, everyone was glad to be back out at the Games again, though the weather quickly reminded us that a certain level of stoicism is required where the Scottish Highlands are concerned. By Robert…

The CLASP ‘Live Online’ May 7th 2022 Results

Another successful ‘Live Online’ contest ran on 7th May 2022. This competition was sponsored by R.G. Hardie & Co. The event used Zoom as the platform, and we had competitors join from all round the world as the event facilitates participation in all time zones.  Following the pandemic, CLASP has introduced a yearly series of global amatuer solo piping competitions called ‘Live Online’. Competitors connect live, and compete live, and…

Blair Atholl Games Draw and a Tribute to Alex

I attach the draws and judges for the piping competitions at the Atholl Gathering to be held this Sunday, May 29, on the Atholl Estate, Blair Atholl, writes Dr Jack Taylor. Readers may be interested to know that at the Atholl Highlanders Parade the previous day, Saturday May 28, from 2.30-3.45pm, there will be a Moment of Remembrance for piper Alex Duncan, Atholl Highlanders (1994-2020). Alex is pictured above in his…

Famous Pipers: Fifty Years Since the Passing of Robert U. Brown, Balmoral – Part 2

We continue with excerpts from the tribute edition of the South Australian Pipe Band Newsletter from 1972 which marked Bob Brown’s death after a teaching and recital tour there. The above photograph of Bob was taken during the trip. The caption reads: ‘Pipe Major RU Brown at Port Pirie Highland Games in South Australia. Invited as Official Guest to open the Games. Driven 200 miles north of Adelaide. Occupants of…

Famous Pipers: Fifty Years Since the Passing of Robert U. Brown, Balmoral

Bob Brown, King’s Piper, renowned teacher and competitor is well known in the solo piping world. He was a direct link to the teaching of John MacDonald, Inverness, and after retiring from his job on the Royal estates on Deeside dedicated himself to passing on what he had learned to the next generation of pipers. This teaching involved travel. In 1972 he was to make his last fateful tour abroad,…