Unifying Set Tunes Worldwide, James McGrady, Norman Meldrum and Neville McKay

I would like to comment on a few articles on Piping Press over the past several weeks. Firstly, Scott Nicholson’s plan for a unified system of Piobaireachd Society set tunes for Australia (PP, July 2). This has great value. It motivates aspiring competitors to commit to learning these tunes and if they are successful with them and accepted for Oban and Inverness, they are likely to be well prepared.  My…

Bowhill Games Results

Here are the results from Bowhill Highland Games today [Sept.15], writes Piping Convenor Greig Canning. They were held in changeable conditions in Wallsgreen Park, Cardenden, Fife. Judges for open events were Jimmy Banks and Chris Armstrong. Judge for junior events was Jamie Elder. It was another healthy entry with 12 pipers playing in the open events, 17 in the under-15 light music and 10 in the junior piobaireachd. Mike Fitzhenry…

Pitlochry Games Results

Damp, overcast conditions but only a few light showers at Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire on September 14. The piobaireachd competition, sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society, attracted a large entry and was capped at 20. Twenty-six in the light music. Christopher Armstrong continued his good form from the Argyllshire Gathering, but the piper with most points was young Cameron May, Lesmahagow (pictured). Judges reported a high standard, particularly in the ceòl…

Editor’s Notebook: Michael Colliery Band/ Solo & Band Season/ Edith MacPherson/ Funeral Details

Reader Gary Clacher: My dad, Adam Clacher, won the World Solo Drumming Championship in 1959 when he was with the Grade 2 Michael Colliery band. Not sure if this has been done before or since by a Grade 2 leading drummer. I wonder if anyone has any photos of my dad, or the Michael Colliery Band, competing? A long shot but photos seem so hard to find from this time….

BBC Recordings from the Northern Meeting to Air this Weekend / Northern Ireland Bands

On the piping shows on the BBC this weekend (Radio Scotland and Radio nan Gàidheal) there will be live recordings from this year’s Northern Meeting competition in Inverness, reports presenter Micheal Steele. The shows include performances from the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal, the Gold Clasp and the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society Silver Star for Former Winners March, Strathspey and Reel. Saturday night on Radio Scotland (9pm) has Nick…