More Tributes Paid to the Late Andrew Wright

A large number of readers have left messages of condolence on our Comments section. This morning the tributes have continued to arrive and we thought it best, given Andrew’s undoubted status in the piping world, to carry them with more prominence. We also include additional photographs from his long life in piping. Allan Hamilton of Pipers Persuasion: ‘We are sad at hearing of the passing of our friend Andrew. I…

Andrew Wright 1936 – 2022

The death has been reported of Andrew Wright, Dunblane, one of the outstanding pipers and teachers of the post war period. Andrew was 86. He began piping in the Boys Brigade and studied under Peter MacLeod Senior before moving on to P/M Donald MacLeod. It was when playing at the Braemar Gathering that he was called over by judge RB Nicol, Balmoral, who invited him for lessons. Andrew, an engineer…

New Mentoring System for Solo Judges/ George Sherriff Competition

The Solo Piping Judges’ Association is to establish a Mentoring System for Judges, writes Secretary Roderick Livingstone.  Following the Association’s AGM it has been decided that a pool of Senior Judges who are prepared to volunteer their services as mentors to new judges will be formed.  The mentoring process will be available to all new judges irrespective of their initial grading on acceptance. New judges will be required to fully participate…

Lochnell Intermediate Piping Championship Comment and Pictures

This was a very successful day at Lochnell Castle, Argyll. The audience was quite an increase on last year and all were treated to a sumptuous lunch courtesy our host Lord Archie Cochrane. Overall winner with a first in March, Strathspey and Reel and a fourth in Piobaireachd was Ruairidh Brown, Dunblane. He is pictured above on his way to victory as the judges Derek Fraser, John Wilson and Willie…

Festival of Juvenile Solo Piping

Gerard McClumpha, Event Co-Ordinator: Results from our competition held yesterday at Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston, Ayrshire. It was our usual full packed, competitive event – only just glad to be back up-and-running again, after missing the previous two years. Junior Champion was Owen McCreadie and Senior Champion Gregor Grierson (pictured). 14 yrs & Under 1 Archie Johnston, Oban High 2 Owen McCreadie, Boghall & Bathgate 3 James Silcock, Falkirk Schools4 Caelyn…