Piobaireachd Society Conference Final Details

The Piobaireachd Society Conference at the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling, this weekend March 27-29. This local landmark is right in the centre of town, on King Street, less than 10 minutes walk from both the bus and train stations. It has a long history, the most famous guest perhaps being Robert Burns who scratched a poem on one of the windows. By Peter McCalister, PS Vice President Stirling Castle is…

History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981, Part 3

We continue with our article from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison, their piping correspondent at the time. Having dealt with the Gold Medal, he now reports on the other events….. Former Winners Piobaireachd Competition: This took place in the Phoenix Cinema. Eight tunes were set and each competitor had to select four tunes, one of which he was asked to play. Eight competitors…

Duncan Johnstone Memorial Results

This annual competition organised by the Competing Pipers’ Association was held today, March 21, at the Piping Centre in Glasgow. B Piob: 1 James Frazer 2 Andrew Pattison 3 Bradley Parker 4 Edward Gaul 5 Keith BowesB MSR: 1 Alastair Brown 2 Jonathon Simpson 3 Andrew Pattison 4 Finlay Frame 5 James FrazerB Jig: 1 Alastair Brown 2 James Frazer 3 Jonathon Simpson 4 Arran Green 5 Finlay FrameC Piob:…

Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes/ Atholl Gathering/ 214 BB/ Duncan Johnstone/ PS Conference

The RSPBA are now taking the issue of band sizes seriously. There was a commitment at last weekend’s AGM to take the matter forward via the Music Board and a consultation with the bands. The proposal is that piper numbers be cut to 22 and side drummers to 11. No apparent mention of bass and tenors. The thrust of the argument put forward was one of fairness, always an emotional…

History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981, Part 2

We continue with our article from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison, their piping correspondent at the time. He continues his examination of the performances in that year’s competition for the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal….. The next player was P/M Gavin Stoddart who has had a successful a successful season as a competing piper. He was asked to play the Fingerlock. He…