Editor’s Notebook: PS Summer School/ Larkhall Boost/ John Cruickshank VC/ Learning the Basics

The Piobaireachd Society Summer School has come to a close after a blazing week on the isle of Skye. Even if the weather had not been kind it would have been a rewarding experience. The venue was the Gaelic college at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Sleat, an ideal facility, with an extensive library and plenty of teaching space and an excellent refectory. More than anything, SMO has staff who are…

Editor’s Notebook: Bob Nicol Tunes/ Jimmy Scholarship/ Craig’s Title/ Watson’s Piob Contest/ Eagles Results

As promised, here are another couple of recordings of Bob Nicol’s light music courtesy Breton piper Patrick Molard. These add to the tunes we had earlier this week. Firstly Delvinside and Lochiel’s Awa’ Tae France: And now Arniston Castle and Charlie’s Welcome: I think we should be concerned that all these old settings of tunes could be lost. Wouldn’t it be a good project for students on the piping courses…

Piobaireachd Society Approached Regarding Running of Silver Chanter

There is uncertainty over the future of the prestigious Silver Chanter recital competition. The National Piping Centre has run it for the last five years after taking over from Skye Piping Society. It was initially moved from Skye to the Centre in Glasgow but last year was held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on the island. The Centre has stated that due to funding cuts they can no longer…

New Online Championship for Amateur Pipers Announced by the Piping Centre

The Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers (CLASP) was set up by the National Piping Centre in 2003 to give adult amateur pipers a competition platform through a series of grading competitions held yearly throughout Scotland and the UK. In its 20 years, CLASP has evolved, gaining a global membership base. To celebrate this milestone, CLASP is working with other events across the world to create a premier amateur solo…

Mystery Reel Played by Bob Nicol Revealed as a Composition of GS McLennan

We had a very good response to to yesterday’s story on the playing of RB Nicol and in particular the unidentified tune mentioned. Thanks to everyone who took the trouble. Duncan Watson: Aha! That reel that Bob was recorded playing is called Anon and is a composition of GS McLennan. Anon spelled backwards comes out as ‘Nona’ which was the name of GS’s wife. He also composed a slow air…