We Need a New 2020 Vision as Historical Change Beckons for Pipe Bands

By The Editor A week on Saturday the RSPBA Music Board is hosting a meeting of all Grade 1 pipe majors and leading drummers. The main topic for discussion in what is billed as a ‘ground-breaking event‘ is the future of the pipe band medley. The current shutdown has afforded an opportunity for those at the top of the movement to get off the treadmill, think outside the box, go…

PP Lockdown Painting Challenge – Gallery of Submissions

Above is a detail from the last submission for the PP Lockdown Artwork Challenge. It’s from Brian McKee who writes: ‘This is a pastel portrait I drew of my uncle Dave McKee, Pipe-Major of the Stockyards Kilty Band. I don’t know if it’s too late to be a part of your event, but I thought I’d give it a go!’  View Brian’s drawing full size in the gallery below. All…

London Championship Postponed Until March

The Scottish Piping Society of London is postponing this year’s Annual Competition to a provisional date of 12-13 March 2021 at The Caledonian Club, London, writes Alison Gilmour. On what would have been the weekend of the Annual Competition – 7 November 2020 – the Society will host an online CPA ‘C’ Grade and SPSL Members’ Competition. SPSL President, Michael Fitzhenry, comments: ‘We have two guiding principles for our Annual…

Aboyne Flag is Lowered Before 2020 Online Piping Contest Begins (updated)

By Dr Jack Taylor Below are the the results from Saturday’s Aboyne Games online competitions, sponsored by George Strachan Ltd. I think it was judged a success, but everybody hopes not to be repeated.  Aboyne was chilly early on but warmer later. The committee, kilted and bonneted, gathered on a quiet Green, the flag was raised to Games Day at Aboyne, the Earl of Aboyne spoke elegantly, drams appeared from…

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MacGregor Finalists Announced by Argyllshire Gathering (Updated with Videos of Winning Tunes)

Judging for the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd was completed this weekend after the deadline for submissions of July 29. The eight young pipers selected to go forward to the final are: Ross Conner,  Campbeltown.Luke Kennedy,  Strathaven.Liam MacDonald, Wellesley, Ontario, Canada.Angus MacPhee, Inverness.Henry Paluch, Aorora, Ontario, CanadaAnna Smart, Dunfermline.Hazel Whyte, LarkhallCampbell Wilson. Christchurch, New Zealand. Piping Convenor Torquil Telfer: ‘All recordings submitted were of good quality. Highland dress was always worn. Details…