A Short Review from the Atholl Gathering 2022

This year’s Atholl Gathering piping was run very efficiently with something for solo pipers at every level. The day started brightly but conditions deteriorated as the day went on with cloud, cold winds and rain showers. Nevertheless, everyone was glad to be back out at the Games again, though the weather quickly reminded us that a certain level of stoicism is required where the Scottish Highlands are concerned. By Robert…

Atholl Gathering Results

A cold and sometimes wet day on the Perthshire slopes at Blair Atholl for one of the first major Highland gatherings of the season. There were strong entries in all grades with circa. 50 pipers on parade over the grades. Champion Piper was Sandy Cameron, Roy Bridge. P/A/Non CPA Piobaireachd (three tunes):1 Angus MacColl, snr.2 Sandy Cameron3 Sarah Muir4 Ben Duncan5 Steven LeaskJudges: P Henderson, W Morrison B Piob (three…

Editor’s Notebook: Silver Chanter/ Piping Live/ British Championships/ Letters

For me the most significant announcement in the Piping Live press release yesterday was the news that the Silver Chanter recital/competition is to be moved back to its spiritual homeland on the island of Skye. This is something we have been campaigning for ever since the National Piping Centre took over the running of this showpiece event from cash-strapped Skye Piping Society in 2018. It was totally unsuited to Glasgow…

Why Is the March Strathspey and Reel Such a Chore for Pipe Bands These Days?

By Robert Wallace I am very grateful to Dr Jack Taylor for passing on to me a recording of a BBC radio programme from the 1970s. It features my old pipe major Bob Hardie and his band Muirhead and Sons. They had just completed their five Worlds titles in a row 1965 -69, a record for a civilian band yet to be broken, though Field Marshal came dashed close a…

Piping and Drumming Instructors Wanted/ Premier Florida Contest Update

Part time piping and drumming instructors are required for the Blairgowrie, Angus, schools area. The spec reads: ‘To develop a performance pipe band by delivering lessons in the Blairgowrie and District Community Schools area, running band practices, and organising performances. ‘The programme is managed by the Blairgowrie and District Schools Pipe Band Committee, which is a constituted voluntary organisation. The post-holder will report to the committee. ‘Lessons will take place…