RSPBA NI Branch Administrator Retires and Replacement Named 

These last few months has seen change within the NI Branch with the retirement of Ian Burrows from his administrator role and the appointment of Michelle Shilliday as his replacement. Ian, who gave nine years of dedicated service, had succeeded Lindsey Ellis who resigned from her position in 2012 when she relocated to Scotland. Indeed Ian would actually have stepped down in September 2020 as announced by the RSPBANI Executive…

The Glenfiddich Championship – A View from a Rookie Piobaireachd Player

For those of you who are regular readers of Piping Press this will be something of a departure from the usual informed reporting you might read here. However I would hope that it is an opportunity to consider a refreshing vision of last weekend’s Glenfiddich championship. Over a long period of time I have had a passing acquaintance with piobaireachd. I have always listened to it and in the 80s…

Breton Pipe Maker Pierre Blanchett 1947 – 2021

Breton pipe-maker Pierre Blanchet has died after a short illness. Pierre featured in Piping Press recently. He made a significant contribution to piping in Brittany and was renowned for his replicas of antique instruments. Pierre started playing the pipes at the age of 11 in 1958 in the Saint Nazaire region learning by ear. A piper from the La Baule Bagad (pipe band) showed him the rudiments of Scottish fingering,…

More Memories of Harry, Two Super Days at Cowal and the Great Trophy Theft

Last week’s tribute to Harry McAleer brought back many memories, writes Barry Donaldson. He was a close friend and a huge personality. Here is one of the many memories I have. When the band was at its best, the individual playing was world class and Harry was as good a player as anyone. The band photo marching up the street at Cowal on the Saturday morning [top] was taken in…

Glenfiddich Championship 2021 Results

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2021 is Jack Lee. He was placed second in ceòl mòr and third in light music to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Angus MacColl and third Finlay Johnston. The ‘live’ competition was held today in Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. It was also livestreamed for viewers around the world. Piobaireachd placings:1 Finlay Johnston, Lament for the Union2 Jack Lee, Lament for Colin Roy MacKenzie3…