Readers Respond to Peter MacLeod Reel Query/ Scots Guards KO Date Change/ Talk Piobaireachd

Dougie Pincock: ‘That Peter MacLeod reel [above] is known nowadays as The Highlanders’ Institute. It appears under that name in the ‘Bicentennial Collection’ of the music of both Peter MacLeods Snr. and Jnr. published in the USA by Donald Varella. ‘I learned the tune from Pipe Major Iain MacDonald of Neilston, and played it in the Glasgow folk group Kentigern in the late ’70s/early ’80s. Iain might well have had…

London Championship Results

This contest was held in the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, on November 15/16. Bratach Gorm1 Finlay Johnston, Lament for the Union2 Callum Beaumont, Lament for MacLeod of Colbeck3 Alasdair Henderson, Phantom Piper of the Corrieyairick4 Jamie Forrester, Daughter’s Lament5 Nick Hudson, Farewell to the Queen’s Ferry Open Piobaireachd, William Gillies Cup (6 tunes)1 Stuart Liddell2 Finlay Johnston 3 Iain Speirs4 Callum Beaumont 5 Calum Briwn MSR: London Medallion & John MacFadyen…

Editor’s Notebook: 2025 Events Schedule/ Drum Tutor/ Mick Haggerty/ Peter MacLeod Tune

Undoubtedly the larger gaps between next year’s Worlds, Oban and Inverness will pose challenges for overseas pipers, not least of which will be the cost of attending all three. But the search for fame and fortune always involves sacrifice. If I want to succeed at sumo wrestling, to Japan I must go. When family budgets won’t stretch, or you don’t have the air miles, then priorities and preferences come into…

Online Entries Open for 2025 Argyllshire Gathering/ Graeme Johnston Results

The 2025 Argyllshire Gathering takes place on August 27th and 28th and pipers can now enter online via the Gathering’s updated website. The closing date for all competitions, Senior Piobaireachd and Former Winners’ MSR included, is January 31st and no late entries will be accepted. In years past, senior competitions, given the lower numbers and automatic qualification, have not required this stipulation. Entry fees of £50 must be paid by…

Draw for London Championship Announced

The 84th Annual Championship promoted by the Scottish Piping Society of London will be held this weekend, the Bratach Gorm on Friday, November 15 at 5pm, and the remainder of the competitions the following day beginning 9am. The venue is the Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, Belgravia. Admission for spectators is £25 for the Friday evening and £30 for both days. The Caledonian Club dress code prohibits jeans, trainers, and…