Atholl Gathering/ Lochaber Gathering/ Ukrainian National Anthem

Piping Convenor at the Atholl Gathering, Dr Jack Taylor: ‘There is a healthy entry so far for the Gathering (on May 29), but there is still room for a few more, especially P/A/Non CPA Piobaireachd and junior events. Entries close on Sunday 15th May. Here is the link to the entry form.   ‘It will be Gary West’s first outing as Pipe Major of the Atholl Highlanders. Ian Duncan is handing over the previous…

The Remarkable Story of Victor Herman, Piper, Boxer, Painter

It is 20 years since the death of Vic Herman. He was an extraordinary character. He was born in 1929 in Manchester the son of an immigrant cabinetmaker. The family moved to Warwick Street in the Gorbals in Glasgow when Vic was still a toddler. The Gorbals then was a byword for squalor and deprivation. By a Special Correspondent Vic’s father was obsessed with work. He worked constantly and was never…

Pipe Idol Returns/ American Pipe Band Championships/ New Fund in Eilidh’s Name

  Piping Live!’s prestigious international Under 21 competition is back, in person, for this year, and applications are now open, writes Helen Urquhart. With four heats through the week of the festival from Monday 8th – Thursday 11th August, and a final later on Thursday, this is a great opportunity for young solo players from around the world, who will be in Glasgow this summer and aged U21 on 11th…

Editor’s Notebook: Farewell to the Creeks/ Dan’s Book/ Rolf Obliers/ Williamsburg USA/ Inverness 1970

I read somewhere on the internet the other day of a new recording by Jack Lee of JB Robertson’s [sic] 6/8 march, Farewell to the Creeks. It’s a common mistake but the tune was of course written by James Robertson, Banff, Gordon Highlander, and not the famous Scots Guardsman. Robertson Banff was the teacher of my late comrade Joe Wilson and we have covered Joe’s early life with his teacher…

Inveraray Games Announcement and Letters on the Modern Pitch of the Bagpipe and on the Popularity of Amazing Grace

James Beaton, Piping Convenor of the well-run Inveraray Highland Games, has announced that entries for their piping competitions are now open. The games take place on July 19. All entry forms must be received no later than 24th June 2022, no late entries will be accepted and senior places are limited to the first 25 entries received. A draw will take place after the closing date and if required a…