Northern Ireland Bucks the Trend – New Bands Forming

Several RSPBA NI Branch bands are proposing to launch second bands to compete in the 2026 season. Bangor-based Cleland Memorial has announced that they are launching a Grade 4B band and are seeking pipers and drummers who are looking for a fresh start, a new challenge, or to get back into playing. Cleland has an outstanding record of producing talented players as witnessed by those who attend the Blackthorn Pipers…

Northern Ireland: What chance of a United Kingdom Championships? 

The latest minutes of an RSPBA Directors meeting which took place  by video conference on Saturday 4th October indicate the dates of four of next season’s RSPBA Major contests, namely the British on 30th May at Ingliston, Europeans on 27th June at Perth, Scottish on 25th July in Dumbarton, and the Worlds on 14th/15th August at Glasgow Green. Only four majors, but no mention of a United Kingdom Championships and…

London Championship Results

This annual contest, run by the Scottish Piping Society of London was held in the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, on October 31 and Nov 1. The Bratach Gorm was won for the second year running by Finlay Johnston. Champion Piper: Stuart Liddell Bratach Gorm:1 Finlay Johnston, My Dearest on Earth, Give Me Your Kiss2 Iain Speirs, In Praise of Morag3 Stuart Liddell, Port Urlar4 Cameron Drummond, Lament for the Earl of…

Glenfiddich 2025 Results

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2025 is Stuart Liddell. He was placed second in MSR and third in Ceòl Mòr. Runner-up was Callum Beaumont, with Alan Bevan in third. There was a large audience in the great hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. Piobaireachd placings:1 Alan Bevan2 Nick Hudson3 Stuart Liddell4 Callum Beaumont5 Brodie Watson-Massey MSR placings:1 Callum Beaumont2 Stuart Liddell3 Finlay Johnston4 Nick Hudson5 Alan Bevan Other playing but not…

Lochnell Intermediate Piping Championship Results

This prestigious contest for solo pipers aged under 22 was held on October 10th, at Lochnell Castle, Benderloch, Argyll, courtesy the Earl of Dundonald. The overall champion at the 5th annual competition was Magnus Stone from Massachusetts, USA. He became the first overseas winner of the coveted title. He is 17 years old. He qualified for Lochnell by placing third in the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd at this year’s Argyllshire Gathering….