Reflections on the Silver Chanter and Skye Gathering

It is just a week since the Silver Chanter and the important piping competitions held at Portree as part of the Skye Gathering, writes the Editor. Entries for the Dunvegan Medal topped 29 and looking down the list it seems to me that it may be time for the promoters to limit these to those graded B+ upwards. This competition really is not for anyone below that standard. Pipers without…

Editor’s Notebook: Shotts Concert/ PS Recital/ Tutors Wanted/ Fintan Lalor/ Lorient Bands

A highlight of Worlds Week is always the band concert on the Wednesday night. This year Shotts & Dykehead are on stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Aug 13). As expected, the concert is a sell-out and such is the paucity of briefs the band have issued a plea to those who have bought tickets but who now discover they can’t attend. In a statement Shotts say: ‘We have been…

Killin Games Results

A dry day and a very healthy entry of 25 pipers for the seniors at Killin on August 6. Champion Piper was Jonathon Simpson with three first and one third prizes. Piobaireachd1 Jonathon Simpson, Cabar Feidh gu Brath2 Ross Conner, Old Men of the Shells3 Martin Kessler, His Father’s Lament for Donald MacKenzie4 John Dew, You’re Welcome Ewen Locheil March: 1 Ross Conner 2 William Geddes 3 Jonathon Simpson 4…

Sandy’s New Chanter

The winner of the 58th Silver Chanter was Sandy Cameron, Roy Bridge. His tune was the Lament for Macleod of Colbeck. It was Sandy’s first win of the prestigious award. The recital / competition was held last night before a large audience at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Gaelic College, Sleat, isle of Skye. The sponsors were Torabhaig Malt Whisky, the Piobaireachd Society and the College. By Peter McCalister Sandy qualified for…

Skye Gathering 2025 Senior Results Complete

The annual, two-day Skye Gathering piping competitions began today (Aug 5) in Portree. Twenty-nine entered for the Dunvegan Medal contest for which pipers have to submit four MacCrimmon tunes. Previous winners are excluded and play for the Col. Jock MacDonald Clasp to the medal. The winner of the 2025 medal was local piper Alistair Brown, Kyleakin (pictured above with the medal, courtesy Cailean Maclean). We are still awaiting the junior…