The world’s top pipers will gather in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, on August 31 and September 1 for the prestigious Northern Meeting solo piping competitions. Over 120 pipers have been selected to play. The venue is the comfortable Eden Court Theatre on the banks of the River Ness. Day 1 is given over to the Gold and Silver Medals and the ‘A’ Grade March, Strathspey and Reel, with…

Piobaireachd players are rare amongst classical musicians in that their entire performing career consists mainly of playing in competitions.  Those playing other instruments may compete as they hone their skills. Thereafter they perform in concerts and recitals. The Piobaireachd Society’s “Classical Pipe Music, Scotland’s Hidden Treasure” recital gives the best piobaireachd players the experience of performing as musicians in other disciplines do.  It also gives those outside piping’s small world the chance…

Two weeks today the world’s top pipers will gather in the west Highland town of Oban for the prestigious Argyllshire Gathering solo piping competitions. Over 120 pipers have entered for events ranging from the Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and reel to the local March. Day 1 is given over to piobaireachd with four major events taking place. These are the Senior Piobaireachd, the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal, the…