Northern Ireland News: Trophy Return Threat/ Antrim Indoor/ Leinster Contest / New President

The RSPBANI Branch Executive Committee is threatening to suspend bands over the late return of trophies. A significant number, including some from previous years, have yet to be returned. The committee expressed particular concern over memorial trophies, which hold deep sentimental value for the families or bands who have generously donated them. These trophies are intended to be presented annually, and failure to return them undermines the respect and recognition…

‘Life, Times and Music of John Macdonald, Inverness’, by John H Shone – A Review

The name of John Macdonald, Inverness, must be one of the best known and illustrious in piping history. However, until now, there has not been a single account of his life and his influence on the development of piping, and piobaireachd in particular, during a critical period towards the end of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. By Alan Forbes John Shone has put that right in his…

RU Brown Gold Medal Results

This annual competition was held over two days in St Aloysius College, Adelaide, South Australia, last weekend. The winner of the Gold Medal was Dan Nevans from Airdrie (pictured with trophy and medal). Clasp for Former Winners (four tunes): 1 Martin Frewen – Earl of Ross’s March – (AUD$2,000) 2 Struan Thorpe ($1,000) 3 Jonathan Quay ($600) Gold Medal (four tunes): 1 Dan Nevans – Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute – ($900)…

Highlands & Islands Festival Report

I don’t think we ladle on enough praise to the volunteers who keep the wheels of piping progress so well oiled with their cheery energy and dedication. A case in point was last Saturday’s Highlands & Islands Festival in Oban. For close on nine hours Convenor Iain Hurst and his team were run off their feet trying to corral youngsters to their allotted classrooms and at the same time keeping…

Highlands & Islands Festival 2025 Results

Another successful competition was held in the Oban High School today, Saturday, May 3, with healthy entries in all competitions. Senior Champion Piper Angus J MacColl, Benderloch, is pictured above. P/A Ceol Mor for Cooper Salver (1st) and Dugald MacColl Memorial Trophy (2nd).1 Sandy Cameron, Old Men of the Shells2 Brodie Watson-Massey, Lord Lovat’s Lament3 Angus J MacColl, MacLeod of Raasay’s Salute4 Cameron May, Lament for the Earl of Antrim…