Two weeks ago Jeannie Campbell wrote of two historic trophies which were presented by the Scottish Pipers’ Association for annual junior competition: the John MacDougall Gillies Trophy (above left) and the Farquhar MacRae Trophy (r). Both were always for piobaireachd, the J MacD Gillies at the SPA spring competition and the F MacRae at the autumn competition. The competitions were for amateurs and juveniles, so some winners were older than…

My RSPBA ranch (London & South of England) has always offered solo contests alongside pipe band events, writes Jackie Allan. It is a means of bringing together the scattered piping (and drumming) community in our very large region. Last year we trialled the CLASP system for amateur solo pipers, with the intention of creating a more level playing field for the pipers, and a better pathway for personal development.  Following talks…

Eighteen months ago we ran an interesting story on Victor Herman, boxer, painter, piper. Vic learned the pipes in the Jewish Lads Boys Brigade in Glasgow. When he found fame with the gloves he would pipe himself into the ring. He loved his piping and when he discovered another talent as a painter, set about creating images of our master pipers of old in oils. Reader Peter Candy takes up…