Pipe Sergeant Robin Swann – Leading Northern Ireland’s Fight against Covid-19

Many pipers and drummers throughout the world are working in the front line of this worldwide fight against Covid-19, but I don’t know of too many (although I stand to be corrected) who are in what must be the most unenviable position of leading a government’s fight against this cruel virus.  Here in Northern Ireland our Health Minister, Robin Swann, is at the centre of such decision making and in normal…

Posted in News   

Victims of Gruesome Scottish Witch Hunt Remembered in a New Piobaireachd Composition

The Shasta Piping Society commissioned this piobaireachd from Karen McCrindle Warren some time ago. Three artists have been solicited for commissioned work to commemorate historical events or persons with stories not often told.  Karen accepted and produced her work knowing the SPS’s goal of spreading piobaireachd to as many listeners and players as possible.  I knew Karen’s composing work from our writing contests and knew well her affection for the Lowlands…

Posted in News   

Cancale Goes Ahead/ Hallkirk Games Cancelled

This is an online translation of the notice sent in French regarding the annual ‘Piobairecahd by the Sea’ event held in Brittany, France. ‘Very dear friends confined (but united by love for the most disturbing music). Like all Associations, we sail by sight … (normal in Cancale)but we hope that Pibroc’h en Bord de Mer 2020 will take place! ‘So write it down on your tablets: Third weekend in September(Saturday…

Posted in News   

Two Days to Register for Online Piping and Drumming Contest/ Scotland Weekend in Belgium Cancelled

The World Online Piping & Drumming Championships for Spring 2020 is an exciting and fun way to compete against pipers and drummers from around the world, write the promoters. There’s no need for travel. You can compete from the comfort of your own home. Every competitor will have the opportunity to compete for the title of World Online Piping & Drumming Champion and the chance to win awards in several…

Posted in News   

Achnacarry Tune Honours Memory of French Commandos

Piper, folklorist, singer and teacher Andy Hunter is originally from Fife but now lives in Lorient in Brittany. He is a follower of Piping Press and was impressed by the recent tune, Spean Bridge to Achnacarry, by the Cameron brothers Sandy and Finlay, written in memory of the Commandos who trained in Lochaber during WW2. Andy writes…. By sheer coincidence, I composed a 9/8 march in tribute to the French…

Posted in News