New Regulations and Rules will Hit Those Travelling with and Dealing in Ivory Pipes

Stricter measures in the trade in elephant ivory come into force in Canada today, January 8, 2024. The new rules could have implications for all pipers with ivory pipes. Henceforth the Canadian government will only permit the import and export of raw elephant ivory destined for a museum, zoo, use in scientific research or in law enforcement activities, writes the Editor.  Furthermore, and this is the relevant part for pipers…

New Announcements from the Piobaireachd Society

Texan Piper Mike Cusack has accepted an invitation to join the Piobaireachd Society’s prestigious Music Committee. Mike, pictured above, is a double Gold Medallist and winner of all the major piobaireachd prizes some many times over. He recently retired as Head Master of St Thomas’s Episcopal School in Houston and still plays with the school alumni pipe band. He is the second North American to join the committee. Jack Lee,…

Con Ó Conaill – A Tireless Servant to Pipe Bands in Ireland and Worldwide

The AGM of the Irish Pipe Band Association witnessed a watershed moment when the association’s long-serving and much respected president Con Ó Conaill stepped down after 47 years in the service of the pipe band community.  Con was born and reared in Ballymurphy, Innishannon, Co Cork. As a youth, Con showed himself to be academically talented winning a scholarship to secondary school. By Brian McMahon After school he worked in…

Editor’s Notebook: Army School and The Queen/ SLOT Headgear/ Terry’s Address/ Drum Request/ Wellington’s Piper

It should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stepped in to stave off any threat to the Army School of Piping in Edinburgh. Her initiative came to light this week in a podcast interview with former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. He revealed that during an audience, Her Majesty challenged him on rumours of financial cuts at the school. Osborne feigned…

George Watson’s Contest/ CPA Award/ School Pipes

Organiser Ben Duncan has asked us to remind all parents and tutors the there are still places available for young pipers wishing to play in the new George Watson’s piobaireachd competition. Ben writes: ‘Would you mind please sharing this advert for ‘The Caritas Banner’ on Piping Press? Entries are healthy but there are still spaces in all events. ‘This could be a great opportunity for young aspiring pipers to perform…