The highlight of the 45th annual Piobaireachd Society Conference was, for me, the talk given by John Shone. John has been a faithful at the conference for decades and in a cosily busy room at the Birnam Hotel late on Saturday he regaled us with tunes and tales of his teachers. What a list. From beginnings in the Croydon BB there were lessons from JB Robertson, Donald MacPherson, Bob Nicol,…
The New South Wales Pipers Society held their annual Silver Chalice competition last Saturday at what is considered a superb location, the Presbyterian Ladies College in Sydney, Australia. The contest was the strongest for a number of years with the ‘A’ grade entry of 10 competitors including pipers making the journey from interstate for the prestigious event. The guest piobaireachd judge was Brett Tidswell from Adelaide. Photo above shows: Garry Barker…
I talked yesterday of the Piobaireachd Society Conference and the clear air in Highland Perthshire, writes the Editor. Yesterday evening, after a lengthy meeting, I took to it and strolled over Thomas Telford’s elegant Dunkeld Bridge, stopping at an inn for a well-earned refreshment. The place was called ‘The Taybank’ and I was delighted to find on the wall a framed memorial to the late Gordon Duncan. In a glass covered…
To the Piobaireachd Society Conference today for what is always an enjoyable weekend of good friendship and good music. For the past several years it has been held at Birnam in Highland Perthshire, a peaceful spot on the banks of the mighty Tay river and always with a welcome hint of spring in the clean, clear air. It invigorates the mind in preparation for the active discussion (in committee) of…
Following meetings last weekend the pipers listed below have been granted a place to compete for The Highland Society of London Gold Medal and the Silver Medal at this year’s Argyllshire Gathering. They are as follows (not in playing order): ARGYLLSHIRE GATHERING GOLD MEDAL 1. Andrea Boyd, Canada 2. Glenn Brown 3. Gordon Bruce 4. Sandy Cameron 5. Andrew Carlisle, N Ireland 6. Jori Chisholm, USA 7. Cameron Drummond 8. Stuart…
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