The RSPBA are now taking the issue of band sizes seriously. There was a commitment at last weekend’s AGM to take the matter forward via the Music Board and a consultation with the bands. The proposal is that piper numbers be cut to 22 and side drummers to 11. No apparent mention of bass and tenors. The thrust of the argument put forward was one of fairness, always an emotional…
I hope the RSPBA AGM devotes a good bit of time to a serious discussion on band sizes…or at least appoints a working group to examine properly the reasons for the decline in the number of pipe bands in Scotland. With only six Grade 1 bands and reductions further down the pecking order, this is not something that should be dismissed lightly under the banner ‘it’s all been tried before…
Pity those who weren’t at Otago Street last Saturday for the 79th Annual Uist & Barra Professional. We heard two piobaireachd that would have won any competition anywhere – and I’m talking senior events at Oban/ Inverness – and some flowing ceòl beag that wasn’t to be sniffed at either. By Robert Wallace The two tunes I mention were from Callum Beaumont and Finlay Johnston. There wasn’t a gossamer strand…
This competition was held today, March 7, at the Piping Centre in Otago Street, Glasgow. There was an appreciative audience throughout the day. Eleven invited pipers competed. Invitations were based on success at the major competitions in 2025. Ceòl Mòr for the Glasgow Highland Club Medal1 Finlay Johnston, £220, Donald Gruamach’s March2 Callum Beaumont, £175, My Dearest on Earth Give Me Your Kiss3 Connor Sinclair, £110, Port Urlar 4 Angus MacColl,…
To Otago Street tomorrow for the Uist & Barra. A stellar line up of top pipers should guarantee some excellent music. Those playing are Callum Beaumont, Calum Brown, Sandy Cameron, Ben Duncan, Jamie Forrester, Finlay Johnson, Steven Leask, Angus MacColl, Sarah Muir, Connor Sinclair, and Brodie Watson-Massey. New Piping Convenor, Innes Scullion, tells me that the invites have all been based on a transparent list of qualifying events – just…
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