BBC Radio Scotland Commits to Piping Programming After Axing of ‘Pipeline’ – Worlds Coverage to Continue

The BBC has further responded to criticism over the axing of Radio Scotland’s flagship piping programme ‘Pipeline’. A series of well-supported complaints petitions was launched, somewhat belatedly, after Piping Press revealed the story last December. The Corporation did respond to our article at the time but now BBC Scotland’s Head of Commissioning, Louise Thornton, has underlined what was said in answer to our report – and confirmed continued coverage of…

Glasgow Uist & Barra Association Professional Contest Returns After Two Year Hiatus

The year’s inaugural professional piping contest will be held in Glasgow on March 4 when the city’s Uist & Barra Association presents its first major piping event for three years. It is part of the constitution of the Association that they hold an annual piping contest, yet in fairly recent times that honourable imperative has been disrupted and delayed by the covid pandemic and wild weather in the form of…

History: Rare Picture of P/M Donald MacLeod

Here is a photograph of Pipe Major Donald MacLeod which might be of interest. I think it is a photograph of a photograph. I obtained it from my brother Hugh, resident in Dingwall. He was of the opinion that it was taken at Dingwall Games.   I have my doubts about that and am more inclined to the likelihood that it was at the Strathpeffer Highland Gathering. This is because I recognise the trees…

Editor’s Notebook: British Champs/ Skye 1985/ Jamie’s Tune/ Scott’s Tune/ Queensland Contest/

Time’s getting on. It’s only 15 weeks or so till the scheduled British Championships (May 20) and there is still no confirmation of a venue. I can tell you that as I write the RSPBA are working very hard to get things sorted. They are committed to a championship in some shape or form. As I’ve said before, we cannot afford to lose this major over something as unimportant to…

NI News: Richard’s New Masterclass/ Parade of Champions/ All Ireland Date/ Jim Graham/ Tullylaggan 100/ IPBA Recruiting

Ulster’s pipe bands are set to benefit from a new masterclass featuring 13 times World Champion, Pipe Major Richard Parkes. The new initiative was announced at Stormont when Ulster-Scots musicians from across Northern Ireland came together at Parliament Buildings to mark their success at last year’s World Pipe Band Championships, in a celebration organised by the Ulster-Scots Agency.  The Great Hall was packed to capacity with pipers, drummers and drum…