Why Is the March Strathspey and Reel Such a Chore for Pipe Bands These Days?

By Robert Wallace I am very grateful to Dr Jack Taylor for passing on to me a recording of a BBC radio programme from the 1970s. It features my old pipe major Bob Hardie and his band Muirhead and Sons. They had just completed their five Worlds titles in a row 1965 -69, a record for a civilian band yet to be broken, though Field Marshal came dashed close a…

Piping and Drumming Instructors Wanted/ Premier Florida Contest Update

Part time piping and drumming instructors are required for the Blairgowrie, Angus, schools area. The spec reads: ‘To develop a performance pipe band by delivering lessons in the Blairgowrie and District Community Schools area, running band practices, and organising performances. ‘The programme is managed by the Blairgowrie and District Schools Pipe Band Committee, which is a constituted voluntary organisation. The post-holder will report to the committee. ‘Lessons will take place…

Atholl Highlanders Pipes & Drums Mark Musical Succession At This Year’s Parade

Entries are now closed for one of the first Highland games of the summer at Blair Atholl on May 29. Pipers have topped sixty with double figures in all grades P/A, B and C. The day before the games….. This year’s Atholl Highlanders Parade at Blair Castle in Highland Perthshire marks the retirement of two very distinguished band members who hand over duties to two musical brothers. The Parade will see the…

2022 ‘Boney Invitational’ is British Columbia’s First Live Event for More Than Two Years

By Mike Chisholm The British Columbia Pipers’ Association held their 6th annual Boney Music Memorial Invitational Competition and Recital on May 14. BC piper Zephan Knichel took the top prize. Jeanette Bonar, wife of the late Andrew Bonar who started the event, and Andrew’s son Cameron, presented the award to Zephan who will have his name engraved on the trophy for his first win at the ‘Boney’. (See picture above.) ‘It…

Gordon Castle Games Results

Dr Jack Taylor: Here are the results from the Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair held today. Competitors pictured above. Open Piobaireachd1. Gordon Barclay  2. John McDonald3. James McPetrie4. Hamish Munro5. Andrew Yu Open March1. Hamish Munro2. John McDonald3. James McPetrie4. Gordon Barclay5. Andrew Yu Open Strathspey and Reel1. James McPetrie2. John McDonald3. Hamish Munro4. Andrew Yu5. Gordon Barclay Overall Champion: John MacDonald Junior EventsPiobaireachd1. Jake Robertson2. Sarah Keir3….