Thornton Games

Results from today’s games at Thornton in Fife. Junior Piob (only 2 entrants)1st equal: Brodie Watson-Massey, MacCrimmon’s SweetheartChris Happs, Cabar Feidh gu BraghMSR1st Chris Happs2nd Brodie Watson-Massey3rd Brandon MacDonald4th Matthew MacKelvieSenior Piob1 Eddie Gaul, Lament for the Children 2 Campbell Webster, MacGregor’s Salute3 Alan Russell, Mary’s PraiseMSR1 Alan Russell2 Amos Fox (Brisbane)3 Campbell Webster (USA)4 Eddie Gaul All events judged by Euan Anderson and Andrew Frater.

Braemar Gathering Photograph Identification Appeal

Piping Convenor at Braemar Royal Highland Gathering, Jim Wood, has sent this: ‘Some interesting pictures for you this week, which if possible we would like some help with. We think we know the years, but are struggling with the pipers, are you able to help? ‘Braemar Royal Highland Society are undertaking an archiving project of the memorabilia they have collected over the last 200 years. Should your readers have any…

Analytical Theorising is Worthwhile and Valid but Keep it in its Place

Re-reading Dr J David Hester’s letter of a few weeks ago has caused me to reflect…. Judging, any sort of judging – bands, solos, cattle shows – is not easy.  I remind readers once more of the late Donald MacGillivray’s immortal words at Strathpeffer Games in the 1970s, ‘I hate judging – cattle shows or piping – one is always surrounded by a sea of disappointed faces at the end….’ But, Donald…

PP Editor’s Blog: Band Judging/ Bass Drummers/ Braemar/ Chatsworth

A couple of points on yesterday’s report on the European Pipe Band Championships. Firstly I noticed the judges enjoying a friendly confab between performances and wondered if this was part of the consultative judging pilot scheme being trialled at both the UKs at Stormont and at Forres. There was certainly a welcome unanimity in the results – despite the piping judges wending very different and varying paths round the circle….

Ceres Games (updated)

Rain and sun at Ceres Games in Fife. There was the expected small turnout  due to the counter-attraction of the band contest at Forres. The judge for all events was P/M Jimmy Banks MBE. Piob 1 Peter McCalister, Lament for MacSwan of Roaig 2 Edward Gaul, Lament for the Children 3 Garry Swinnerton, Wee Spree 4 Craig Martin, Massacre of Glencoe March 1 Edward Gaul 2 Peter McCalister 3 Craig…