Strathmore Games Results

Piobaireachd judges were Ronald Clark and Robert Barnes with James Hamilton and Gordon McLean on the ceol beag. The day was warm and mainly dry. Piobaireachd 1 Allan Russell (pictured) 2 Alan Clark 3 Faye Henderson 4 Calum Brown 5 Peter McCalister March 1 Ben Duncan 2 Allan Russell 3 Calum Brown 4 Alan Clark 5 Peter McCalister S&R 1 Calum Brown 2 Ben Duncan 3 Allan Russell 4 Alan…

PP Ed’s Blog: Support for Piping/ UK Championships G1/ Practising Indoors/ 214 Trophy

It’s all election politics here in Scotland; everything changes then nothing changes. We all thought when the Scottish National Party ascended to power ten years ago piping and pipe bands would be front and centre in their culture and arts policy. We were right not to hold our breath. I say again: have a look at the way regions in France (Brittany) and Spain (Galicia/Asturias) treat their national music with…

Preview of Saturday’s Grade 2 UK Championship, Stormont, Belfast

Lomond & Clyde took the British title just a few short weeks ago and here we are on the threshold of the second major championship of the year in the beautiful grounds of Stormont Castle [above], writes our Special Correspondent. Runner-up at Paisley, Glasgow Skye, will be looking to go one better, and drumming winners, Manorcunningham, will be looking to repeat that feat and improve their piping scores. According to…

Outstanding Recital by Donald McBride Posted on PP Audio Archive

Featuring on the PP Audio Archive today is a recital given by leading piper Donald McBride in the Savoy Hotel, Kansas City, MO in March 2010. In it Donald displays all his mastery of timing and technique on a superb 1908 silver and ivory Lawrie bagpipe with a Hardie chanter (1975).  Donald was taught originally by his father Willie Mc Bride, and played in his band, the Monktonhall, for many years. From 1972 until he…

PP Ed’s Blog: Band Formations/ Muirheads Names/ Colin Thomson/ Braemar/Jack Lee

Those of us who have been advocating ‘concert formation’ for pipe band competition for many years were cheered by yesterday’s announcement that the Edinburgh Pipe Band Championship, to be held in Princes Street Gardens on June 18, will adopt just such a format. All credit to John Hughes the RSPBA Lothian & Borders Branch Chairman, and Vice-Chairman of the Association, for taking this initiative. When I played there in the…