Category: Solo Piping

Pipe Band News: Northern Ireland Chairman Stands Down/ Grant Cassidy Leaves Shotts

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The pipe band community in Northern Ireland has been surprised by yesterday’s resignation of the RSPBA Northern Ireland branch Chairman, Alastair Patterson, writes Gilbert Cromie. In a statement Alastair said: ‘I have taken the decision to stand down from my role as Chairman of the RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch. This has not been an easy decision, but the amount of time and commitment needed has been having an impact on…

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College Band/ Inveraray Dinner/ Balvenie Medal

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Scott Bennett replies to last week’s article on the College of Piping band. He writes: Yes that was Evan MacKay behind the pipe major in photo of the CoP band in Brittany in 1953. And if you look very carefully you can see me – the small boy behind the Pipe Sergeant. The P/Sgt was none other than the renowned accordionist of Mishnish Hotel, Tobermory, fame, Bobby MacLeod. Bobby composed…

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Oban and Inverness Entries/ Northern Ireland Band Dates/ Ross Miller New Single

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Entries for the major competitions at the 2025 Argyllshire Gathering (Aug. 27/28), and the Northern Meeting (Sept. 11/12), close on January 31, just over two weeks away. No late entries will be considered by the promoters. The entry deadline includes those playing for the Senior Piobaireachd, the Clasp and both Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and Reel competitions. A meeting to finalise those eligible for Gold and Silver Medal competitions will…

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CLASP ‘In Person’ Results

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The first in-person Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers (CLASP) competition of the year was held last Saturday, 11th January 2025, at the National Piping Centre, Otago Street, writes Margaret Houlihan. Overall winners are pictured above, l-r: Donald Morrison (Grade 2), Craig Turnbull (Grade 1), Anthony MacLachlan (Grade 3). G1 Piob.: 1 Donald Morrison 2 Graham Farr 3 John Nevans 4 Craig Turnbull 5 Dugald MacLeod G2 Piob: 1 Adam Aitchison…

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Analysis: The ‘Strange’ Crunluath Revisited

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The set tunes for 2024 had two tunes which had ‘open’ toarluath and crunluath fosgailte movements, the Nameless tune from Angus MacKay set for the Gold Medal, and the MacNabs’ Gathering set for the Silver, the tunes appearing in the PS Book 3 on pages 148 and 149.   By Duncan Watson There are about five or six other tunes which come to mind where this open fosgailte can occur…

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