Northern Ireland: Heart of Down/ C of C/Closkelt/

Newcastle’s Donard Park was the venue for the final RSPBANI Branch outdoor competition of the season which included the final of the Champion of Champions competition. While it was a little cold in the early part of the day the warm afternoon sunshine provided ideal conditions for the competitors and the large body of spectators at what is one of the most scenic venues below the towering Mountains of Mourne. Local…

Pipe Major Harry McNulty 1933-2026

The pipe band community worldwide was saddened to learn of the death on 8th September 2026 of Harry McNulty. He was 93. During his career Harry was Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police, British Caledonian Airways and Power of Scotland (now Scottish Power) bands. Born in April 1933 and a native of Leith in Edinburgh, Harry grew up adopted by his grandfather Pipe Major William Sinclair,…

The London Recital Returns for 2026

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, The London Recital will return on Friday, 2 October 2026, with Callum Beaumont (above left) and P/M Ben Duncan headlining an evening of world class ceòl mòr and ceòl beag. This year’s recital will be held at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate in the City of London, bringing together pipers and supporters from across the piping community for an evening of music and whisky, once…

Braemar Gathering Results – Updated with Comment and Pictures

One of the last Highland games of the summer was held in cool, dry conditions at Braemar today (September 5). HM King Charles and HM Queen Camilla were in attendance, continuing a royal tradition dating back to the time of Queen Victoria. The king of the piping boards was overall champion Zephan Knichel, Canada – with the coveted piobaireachd Gold Medal going Ben McClamrock, USA. By the Editor First on…

Northern Meeting Day 2 Complete Results

Highlight of the second day at Inverness is the Gold Clasp competition, which, with the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering, is the most prestigious ceòl mòr prize in world piping. Gold Clasp1 Callum Beaumont, Nameless Cherede Darievea, £1,000 2 Alan Bevan, Fingerlock, £5003 Ian K MacDonald, £300, My Dearest on Earth4 Connor Sinclair, MacLeod of Colbeck, £2505 Iain Speirs, Port Urlar, £100Judges: I MacFadyen, J Taylor, J Wilson ‘A’…