Editor’s Notebook: Gourock Contest/ Kohima Tune/ Michael the Monk/ JB Robertson

No Grade 1 bands at Gourock last Sunday. Perfect weather, good transport. Where were Glasgow & the West’s Shotts, Police Federation, Scottish Power, Inveraray and Johnstone? In my day this branch was the heartbeat not only of Scotland’s pipe banding but of the world movement itself. The first contest of the year would have had the top bands clamouring for an early season run out. Was it lack of notice,…

Northern Ireland News: Trophy Return Threat/ Antrim Indoor/ Leinster Contest / New President

The RSPBANI Branch Executive Committee is threatening to suspend bands over the late return of trophies. A significant number, including some from previous years, have yet to be returned. The committee expressed particular concern over memorial trophies, which hold deep sentimental value for the families or bands who have generously donated them. These trophies are intended to be presented annually, and failure to return them undermines the respect and recognition…

Bob Shepherd, a Man of Innovative Ideas

The news that the company of RT Shepherd has been taken over by a former employee should please everyone who knew the company’s founder, Bob Shepherd, writes the Editor. Bob was an innovator in every way: new products, new manufacturing systems, better quality control, new thinking about how pipe bands should go about their business. The video below confirms his reputation as a man who was determined to push pipe…

Sale of RT Shepherd & Co Confirmed by Insolvency Company

Within hours of Piping Press reporting rumours of a sale of RT Shepherd & Co., the company handling the insolvency has confirmed that the firm will be taken over by Broadleys Bagpipes & Reeds. Fife-based Broadleys have a growing reputation within the pipe band world with many top bands already playing their instruments and reeds. Proprietor Ross Watson is a former employee of Shepherds. The Interim Liquidator Steven Wright was…

Highlands & Islands Festival 2025 Results

Another successful competition was held in the Oban High School today, Saturday, May 3, with healthy entries in all competitions. Senior Champion Piper Angus J MacColl, Benderloch, is pictured above. P/A Ceol Mor for Cooper Salver (1st) and Dugald MacColl Memorial Trophy (2nd).1 Sandy Cameron, Old Men of the Shells2 Brodie Watson-Massey, Lord Lovat’s Lament3 Angus J MacColl, MacLeod of Raasay’s Salute4 Cameron May, Lament for the Earl of Antrim…