Editor’s Notebook: John Cruickshank VC/ Glasgow Skye/ Helmsdale Results/ Lorient Bagads/ Weekend Games

The death has been announced of war hero John Cruickshank VC, Aberdeen. He was 105. Readers will recall the tune competition the Royal Northern & University Club and Piping Press ran for a march to honour Mr Cruickshank’s and his remarkable bravery. The result was a fine 6/8 by South African composer and piper Dave Mason. It was presented and played to Mr Cruickshank at a dinner in Aberdeen. It…

Worlds 2025 – Review Part 3

This year the weather was fair and warm both days and the new ‘junior’ format on the Friday appeared to be well received despite criticism when it was first announced.  Unfortunately, the Novice Juvenile B Final finished rather late, so that probably needs to be addressed by the RSPBA if the format is to be continued next year.  One bonus, however, was that the Saturday was less cluttered for the…

Worlds 2025 – Review Part 2

On Friday August 15th I attended the World Pipe Championships at Glasgow Green and due to my travel arrangements I was unable to listen to any of the Grade 1 performances. The remainder of the day was not to be wasted however, as an afternoon of Juvenile competition was about to commence and for me that began at the main arena with performances from the five entrants. By Gilbert Cromie…

Killin Games Results

A dry day and a very healthy entry of 25 pipers for the seniors at Killin on August 6. Champion Piper was Jonathon Simpson with three first and one third prizes. Piobaireachd1 Jonathon Simpson, Cabar Feidh gu Brath2 Ross Conner, Old Men of the Shells3 Martin Kessler, His Father’s Lament for Donald MacKenzie4 John Dew, You’re Welcome Ewen Locheil March: 1 Ross Conner 2 William Geddes 3 Jonathon Simpson 4…

Skye Gathering 2025 Senior Results Complete

The annual, two-day Skye Gathering piping competitions began today (Aug 5) in Portree. Twenty-nine entered for the Dunvegan Medal contest for which pipers have to submit four MacCrimmon tunes. Previous winners are excluded and play for the Col. Jock MacDonald Clasp to the medal. The winner of the 2025 medal was local piper Alistair Brown, Kyleakin (pictured above with the medal, courtesy Cailean Maclean). We are still awaiting the junior…