Editor’s Notebook: British and Cowal/ Band Displays/ Tune Plea/ Alan Watters and Donald MacLeod

Contrary to the impression given by RSPBA Chairman Kevin Reilly in last week’s story on the cancellation of the British Championships, the Association did not approach Cowal Gathering about the possible transfer of parts of the competition. Mr Reilly was referring to an approach to an events company in the town who mentioned the use of ‘Cowal Stadium’. Cowal Gathering Chairman Malcolm Barclay has since contacted the RSPBA to clarify…

Scottish Pipers Association President Reponds to Complaints Over Entry Fees

The Scottish Pipers’ Association has faced some criticism with regards to the entry fee for our professional competition which I would like to address, writes President Logan Tannock.  The first point is that the entry fees, sponsorship, and grants are all ploughed back into the competition to cover judges, hall hires, lunches, prize money etc. All the people who volunteer to help on the day and give up their time,…

Review: ‘Names & Places’ Concert, Celtic Connections

Awa’ tae yer neeps. So said Ian Duncan after thanking everyone involved in this electrifying concert, thus evoking his Aberdeenshire roots and his family’s quiet brilliance as entertainers across the generations, writes Jack Taylor. The occasion was a Celtic Connections celebration of P/M Ian’s, and Vale of Atholl Pipe Band’s, groundbreaking album of 1990, ‘Names and Places’. The youngsters started proceedings. The National Youth Band of Scotland played selections reflecting…

Glasgow Uist & Barra Association Professional Contest Returns After Two Year Hiatus

The year’s inaugural professional piping contest will be held in Glasgow on March 4 when the city’s Uist & Barra Association presents its first major piping event for three years. It is part of the constitution of the Association that they hold an annual piping contest, yet in fairly recent times that honourable imperative has been disrupted and delayed by the covid pandemic and wild weather in the form of…

P/M Iain Robertson 1976-2023: A Tribute

It was with great sadness I heard of the passing of my friend Pipe Major Iain Mitchell Robertson. Iain died peacefully at his home in Palmerston North, New Zealand, on Saturday, 14th December, after a long battle with cancer. He was 46. Affectionally known as ‘Robbo’ by most, he was one of New Zealand’s top solo pipers, judges, teachers, and a long-time member and Pipe Major of the Grade 1 New…