Editor’s Notebook: Judging & Teaching/ Plaid Brooch/ Iain Bruce/ World Cup

I cannot see any reason why Colin MacLellan’s judging/teaching proposal should not be given at least a pilot run, a properly monitored assessment over several events. If it doesn’t work, well, fair enough, it’s back to the drawing board. But gather the evidence, examine the pros and cons, and make a fact-based decision. If approved, we then leave it up to the promoters as to whether or not they wish…

Proposal to End Difficulties Over Judges and Pupils – Clarification and Reaction

There has been considerable response to Colin MacLellan’s recently published proposal to end the problems associated with judging and teaching which continue to plague the solo piping world. The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Colin has been the recipient of several messages of support but wishes to clarify one aspect of the proposal which may have been misunderstood and adds further comment: ‘Since the publication of my judging proposal it has…

Editor’s Notebook: Hypocrisy & Contradiction/ Northern Meeting Brooch/ NZ Piob./ John MacDougall 214 BB

There have been ongoing comments since my ‘What Price Forgiveness for P/M Gordon Walker‘ essay in October 2023. It has clearly struck a chord with readers. Most have been in agreement with the sentiments contained therein. There have been ‘contributions’ by ill-informed contrarians intent on indulging their prejudices, but nothing worthy of publication. Their arguments all fell at the first level of ratiocination. The Rev. Leslie Barrett, the noted amateur…

Proposal to End Difficulties Over Judges and Pupils

The problem of pupils being judged by teachers in piping competitions has caused much debate and division. For the past few years I have spent quite a bit of time using experiences from judging along with playing, and have formulated a plan which I believe solves these problems. By Colin MacLellan In reality, it is very simple, but perhaps appears less so when committed to paper, because every circumstance must…

Northern Ireland: Fermanagh Champs./ Leinster Contest/ Calendar/ Quartets/ Drum Majors

The good weather couldn’t have come at a better time when the County Fermanagh Championships took place on Saturday 23rd May 2026. Many congratulations to the County Fermanagh Section for finding an excellent venue for this first outdoor competition of the season.  The Castle Irvine Necarne Estate in Irvinestown is a real gem with plentiful car parking facilities as well as the dining / bar area of the indoor equine…