Further Observations on the World Pipe Band Championships 2024

The publicity for this year’s event referred to Glasgow hosting the Championships in 1948 and continuously since 1986.  The first WPBC under the then SPBA were actually held in Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium in 1947, Cowal having previously been recognised as the World Championship.  For those readers interested in history, 1947 was also the year the Edinburgh International Festival was created, and the first official Tattoo was held at Edinburgh Castle…

Review: World Pipe Band Championships Day 1

A cool, breezy morning greeted the bands for the first two legs of the Grade 1 Worlds 2024. I listened to the complete contest from edge of the arena with extraneous noise apparent. I had Inveraray just ahead after two excellent runs. Field Marshal not far away, after, in my book, winning the MSR. Inveraray were out on their own in the Medley, really nailed it. By Robert Wallace The…

Review: Grade 2 Thoughts from the Worlds

I sat through most of Grade 2 on Day 2. Unfortunately I was called away and missed the winners, Ravara. All credit to Samual Connolly and his band. Be interesting to see if they go up to Grade 1 or not. Listening on YouTube they were clearly on form. Judge for yourself here. Of the others I was impressed by Glasgow Skye and thought they’d be placed higher. Nudging on…

Editor’s Notebook: World Championship/ Silver Chanter/ Bobby Pinkman/ Ivory Dealer Fined/ CLASP Results/ Games Round Up

To the Worlds today for the first day of Grade 1. It must be the most open championship for years – four different bands have each won one of the foregoing majors. Who’s your money on? I have my own picked out but will not be revealing it here. One thing is sure, whoever emerges on top after this two-day examination by 16 judges will have earned it. Results Saturday…

Lonach Gathering Information/ National Mod Entries

The Lonach Gathering, on August 24, is the culmination of four days of outstanding piping coming as it does immediately after the Argyllshire Gathering at Oban (August 20&21) and the Lochaber Gathering in Fort William (August 23), writes Piping Convenor Jack Taylor. Lonach Gathering, in north east Scotland’s Strathdon, is well worth a visit. The winner of the Piobaireachd is awarded the Charles Morrison Medal and £500, with £300 for…