Tag: Bagpipe Journalism

Is It Time to Rethink the Amateur-to-Professional Pathway?

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I am writing this not as a criticism of any individual organisation, judge or competitor, but because I believe there is a wider issue concerning the development of adult amateur solo piping in Scotland and the pathway from amateur competition into the professional circuit. I am a Grade 1 CLASP competitor and have progressed through the CLASP grading system from Grade 3 onwards. Like many adult amateur pipers, I have…

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Editor’s Notebook: Fifth Major/ Piper Search/ Stirling Juniors/ Ozzie Reid/ T&C Singlings

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I understand the RSPBA are very close to announcing the venue and date of the elusive fifth Major Championship for 2027. Rumours abound that this Championship, the UK, is heading for either Belfast or Ayr (hot money). The date is likely to be the weekend of 26th June. Already fixed up are the British on May 29 at Ingliston, the Scottish at Dumbarton on July 27th, the Euros at Perth…

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History: How it All Began for the RSPBA

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Piping Press recently published information about the formation in 1930 of the Scottish Pipe Band Association (SPBA), which we now know as the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), ‘Royal’ status having been bestowed on the Association in 1980. Over the years the Association has undergone several changes, many of which are described in the, ‘How it all began; and the first 75 years’ booklet published by the RSPBA in…

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‘Masters of Piping’, a Masterwork by Seumas MacNeill

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A new edition of writer Seumas MacNeill’s celebrated book, ‘Masters of Piping’, has been published by the Piobaireachd Society. The original work was issued in 2006 sponsored by the Society in honour of Mr MacNeill, for 20 years its Honorary Secretary. It was based on a radio series he made for BBC Radio Scotland. The new revised edition has been produced in co-operation with his son Rory and PP Editor…

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Band Fees for Next Season/ SPA Juveniles/ CLASP Practice Chanters

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The RSPBA has announced its band fees for 2027. There has been no increase from this year.  Registrations are open and fees must be paid by November 30th or a 20% surcharge applies. Rates are £277 per band. This drops to £252 for juveniles. A new adult band must pay £302 to register and a new Juvenile band £277. Fees for overseas (non-UK) bands are £231 and £210 (Juv.) If an…

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