Lonach Games / Lochaber Gathering Preview

Those who have not entered for Lochaber should remember that one of the classic Highland games takes place up in the north-east on Saturday. Buried away in deepest Strathdon, Lonach Gathering has a tradition stretching back well into the 19th century. That tradition is reflected in the customs such as the March of the Lonach Men (below) that precedes the games and is upheld with vigour and interest to this…

Argyllshire Gathering – Preview of One of the Great Piping Events (Updated with Full Lists & Pix)

A week from now pipers from all over the world will converge on the town of Oban in the West Highlands for the annual Argyllshire Gathering piping competitions. Wednesday, August 26, sees the piobaireachd competitions with categories for the young professional, the MacGregor Memorial, the Silver Medal, Gold Medal and Senior Piobaireachd for previous winners. In the evening we hear the peak of professional ceol beag with the Former Winners’ March,…

Perth Games (Complete)

Cloudy but dry day at Perth with 33 pipers entered in the senior, graded, events. Champion Piper: Gordon McCready. Gordon (r) is pictured with Piobaireachd winner Bill Geddes after the results were announced.  P/A Piob 1 W Geddes, Old Men of the Shells 2 G McCready, Big Spree 3 J Hazzard, Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute 4 D Midgley, Prince’s Salute 5 D Urquhart, MacLeod of Raasay’s Salute Judges: A Wright, M…

Skye Gathering (Updated with Weds Results)

Complete results from the Gathering.  Dunvegan Medal 1 C Drummond, Lament for the Earl of Antrim 2 A Henderson, Rory MacLoude’s Lament 3 D Urquhart, Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay 4 J Forrester, Lament for Patrick Og MacCrimmon 5 C Campbell, Too Long in this Condition Judges: I Morrison, M McRae, D McNeill Col. Jock MacDonald Clasp (for former winners of the Dunvegan Medal) 1 C Drummond, Rory MacLoude’s Lament…

Harpenden Highland Games/ Roddy Cannon Eulogy

 Harpenden Highland Games John Angus Smith was the overall winner at the games held at the weekend near London. Adjudicator Roddy Livingstone:  Re your report on Corby, the points regarding pipe bands / teaching etc. are well made and mirror comments of people like myself, Andrew Hall, Hugh Jamieson, Alan Beaton, Jimmy Banks, ‘Gabby’ Roe, Brian MacRae….. (the list goes on) over many years!  The Scottish Piping Society of London is seeking…