Kuala Lumpur Highland Games

This year’s Kuala Lumpur Highland Games were a resounding success, bringing a touch of Scotland to the heart of Malaysia, writes our Asia correspondent. Held at the prestigious Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, the event was run by a dedicated team of expatriates who infused the day with both energy and authentic Highland spirit. The KL Games provided an extraordinary day filled with tradition, competition, and community spirit. It…

George Watson’s Announce Details of Junior Competition/ St Columba’s School Bass Section Tutor

We are pleased to announce that entries for ‘The Caritas Banner’ are now open, writes Ben Duncan, Assistant Pipe Major, George Watson’s College. The competition, aimed at promoting the study and performance of piobaireachd in young pipers will run for its second year on Sunday 24th November 2024 at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. There are categories to suit most young players, which are as follows: 14 & Under Urlar and…

Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Results and Comment

When, in the early 80s, I first ventured to a then much-Troubled Northern Ireland there was a decided paucity of piobaireachd in the Province. Few played it; pipe bands scorned it. A small ember of hope remained thanks to the oxygen of interest from the likes of Norman Dodds and Ken Stewart. What a lonely furrow they ploughed. Undaunted, their efforts, and that of teachers such as Andrew Wright and,…

Leading Pipe Band Judge Responds to Recent Comments on RSPBA Training Procedures

As I was mentioned in Friday’s article on the training of pipe band judges, Iā€™d like to clarify my journey in joining the ranks of RSPBA piping adjudicators. There are some inaccuracies being stated as fact and misconceptions around the adjudicator training programme. By Ross Walker When I retired from playing, I was invited to attend a two-day weekend workshop at the beginning of 2017 followed by a series of…

Editor’s Notebook: Training of Pipe Band Judges/ Lewis & Harris News/ RSPS 1978/ Letters

A comment has been made about Iain McLeod, five times winner of the Worlds with Edinburgh City / Lothian and Borders Police, refusing to judge for the RSPBA because he was asked to ‘quantify his experience’ as our correspondent put it. From what I remember it was more than that. He and other leading men of the time (late ’70s, early ’80s), RG Hardie, John Weatherston, were also asked to…