Reflections on the Argyllshire Gathering – Part 1

I think it would be fair to say that everything went off very smoothly over the two days of the Gathering held in Oban last week. It is no easy task to organise more than 100 highly motivated pipers and more than 30 judges and stewards, so all credit to John Campbell, Kilberry, Piping Steward, and Assistant Steward Torquil Telfer and their team. Conditions could have been kinder on Games…

The Focus of World Piping on Oban (Updated)

The cream of the world’s solo pipers gather in the West Highland town of Oban today Aug 27 for the annual Argyllshire Gathering competitions. Judges met last night to select tunes to be played in the piobaireachd events. The selected tunes are given to each piper by the steward in the final tuning room. There are four categories of piobaireachd competition: the MacGregor Memorial for pipers under 22, the Silver…

Weekend Games & CPA Bronze Medal Results Round Up

Lonach Gathering (Aug.23) attracted a strong international field of 24 seniors and 18 juniors on a fine day. Anna Kummerlöw, Germany, won the Piobaireachd receiving the Charles Morrison medal and £500. Open Piobaireachd 1 Anna Kummerlöw, Lament for MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart 1 (£500)2 Zephan Knichel, Rout of the MacPhees (£300)3 Calum Brown, Big Spree (£200)4 Nick Hudson, Lament for Patrick Og MacCrimmon5 Angus MacPhee, Lament for Macleod of Colbeck6 Austin Diepenhorst, Chisholm’s…

Editor’s Notebook: John Cruickshank VC/ Glasgow Skye/ Helmsdale Results/ Lorient Bagads/ Weekend Games

The death has been announced of war hero John Cruickshank VC, Aberdeen. He was 105. Readers will recall the tune competition the Royal Northern & University Club and Piping Press ran for a march to honour Mr Cruickshank’s and his remarkable bravery. The result was a fine 6/8 by South African composer and piper Dave Mason. It was presented and played to Mr Cruickshank at a dinner in Aberdeen. It…

Worlds 2025 – Review Part 3

This year the weather was fair and warm both days and the new ‘junior’ format on the Friday appeared to be well received despite criticism when it was first announced.  Unfortunately, the Novice Juvenile B Final finished rather late, so that probably needs to be addressed by the RSPBA if the format is to be continued next year.  One bonus, however, was that the Saturday was less cluttered for the…