P/M Jack Geddis, Northern Ireland and British Columbia

Commenting on our history of Northern Ireland’s Robert Armstrong Memorial band, reader and retired P/M Allan Tutt writes: I have read that John (aka Jack) Geddis (1905-1976) was an honorary member of the Robert Armstrong for many years. I have a watermarked photograph of Jack (courtesy of Kitimat Museum) standing in full uniform playing his beloved pipes upon a seaside pier in front of a passenger ship in Kitimat, British…

Glenfiddich 2026 Results – Alasdair Henderson Wins

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2026 is Alasdair Henderson. He was placed third in MSR and first in Ceòl Mòr. Runner-up was Stuart Liddell, with Iain Speirs in third. There was a large audience in the great hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. Piobaireachd placings:1 Alasdair Henderson, Red Speckled Bull2 Finlay Johnston, Donald Gruamach’s March3 Stuart Liddell, Lament for the Laird of Anapool4 Alan Bevan, Mrs MacLeod of Talisker’s Salute5 Iain…

History: How it All Began for the RSPBA

Piping Press recently published information about the formation in 1930 of the Scottish Pipe Band Association (SPBA), which we now know as the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), ‘Royal’ status having been bestowed on the Association in 1980. Over the years the Association has undergone several changes, many of which are described in the, ‘How it all began; and the first 75 years’ booklet published by the RSPBA in…

‘Masters of Piping’, a Masterwork by Seumas MacNeill

A new edition of writer Seumas MacNeill’s celebrated book, ‘Masters of Piping’, has been published by the Piobaireachd Society. The original work was issued in 2006 sponsored by the Society in honour of Mr MacNeill, for 20 years its Honorary Secretary. It was based on a radio series he made for BBC Radio Scotland. The new revised edition has been produced in co-operation with his son Rory and PP Editor…

Band Fees for Next Season/ SPA Juveniles/ CLASP Practice Chanters

The RSPBA has announced its band fees for 2027. There has been no increase from this year.  Registrations are open and fees must be paid by November 30th or a 20% surcharge applies. Rates are £277 per band. This drops to £252 for juveniles. A new adult band must pay £302 to register and a new Juvenile band £277. Fees for overseas (non-UK) bands are £231 and £210 (Juv.) If an…