Review: The Inaugural London Recital

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As pukka piping dos go it would be hard to better the London Recital. Black tie, beautiful room, superb wines, Raasay whisky, and gourmet canapès, and – more important than anything – brilliant piping from the fingers of two of the best, Iain Speirs and Angus MacColl. So here’s how it went. We gathered last Thursday evening in Dover House in Whitehall by kind permission of the Secretary of State…

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Peter Bain’s Bagpipe – Part 2

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I was contacted by the current owner, Peter Aumonier, and a previous student of my great-grandfather’s, Malcolm McRae, writes John Gillies. Malcolm purchased the pipes on behalf of Donald Bain who took them with him to New Zealand after my great-grandfather’s death. Peter and I were able to video call so I was able to see the pipes, a beautiful set of 1908 hallmarked silver and ivory Hendersons, with a unique…

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‘Return from the Battlefield’ Recital/ All Ireland Solos Results

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Inverness Piping Society are starting their recital programme at Inverness Golf Club on 3rd October,  with ‘Return from the Battlefield’, featuring Duncan MacGillivray and Dougie Pincock, both former members of the Battlefield Band folk group and exceptional pipers in their own right.  Duncan was the first piper with the Battlefield, joining them in 1979, and recording several albums with them whilst touring all over the world. By Les Hutt A serious…

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Florida Pipe & Drum Academy/ RSPBA Regradings/ Drumming Festival

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Director Chris McKeown has announced dates and a new venue for the annual Florida Pipe & Drum Academy. The 2026 school will be held from February 22 – 27 at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida. Chris writes: ‘We’re planning something you won’t want to miss, and we hope to see you there. We are at a new venue where meals and lodging are part of your…

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Invited Pipers for Lochnell Championship Announced

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The Argyllshire Gathering Trust is delighted to announce that the Lochnell Intermediate Championship will be held at Lochnell Castle, Benderloch, on Saturday, 11th October 2025. This is by kind permission of the Earl of Dundonald and arranged by his son Lord Archie Cochrane and Hattie Mellor. Invited pipers are all prominent winners on the 2025 solo circuit and are aged under 22: Bobby Allen, Douglas Baird, Kyle Cameron, Calum Dunbar, Christopher…

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