Gordon Castle Games Results/ James Campbell Medal

Gordon Castle Games are the first outdoor solo piping competition of the summer. They are held in the castle grounds near Fochabers in Morayshire. Seventeen entered the senior events. Piobaireachd: 1 Hamish Munro 2 Angus MacPhee, Old Men of the Shells 3 James MacPetrie 4 Hector Munro, King’s Taxes 5 Keith Bowes, Desperate BattleMarch: 1 Hamish Munro 2 Hector Munro 3 Norman Gillies 4 Keith BowesS&R: 1 Angus MacPhee 2…

Editor’s Notebook: Gourock Contest/ Kohima Tune/ Michael the Monk/ JB Robertson

No Grade 1 bands at Gourock last Sunday. Perfect weather, good transport. Where were Glasgow & the West’s Shotts, Police Federation, Scottish Power, Inveraray and Johnstone? In my day this branch was the heartbeat not only of Scotland’s pipe banding but of the world movement itself. The first contest of the year would have had the top bands clamouring for an early season run out. Was it lack of notice,…

Northern Ireland News: Trophy Return Threat/ Antrim Indoor/ Leinster Contest / New President

The RSPBANI Branch Executive Committee is threatening to suspend bands over the late return of trophies. A significant number, including some from previous years, have yet to be returned. The committee expressed particular concern over memorial trophies, which hold deep sentimental value for the families or bands who have generously donated them. These trophies are intended to be presented annually, and failure to return them undermines the respect and recognition…

‘Life, Times and Music of John Macdonald, Inverness’, by John H Shone – A Review

The name of John Macdonald, Inverness, must be one of the best known and illustrious in piping history. However, until now, there has not been a single account of his life and his influence on the development of piping, and piobaireachd in particular, during a critical period towards the end of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. By Alan Forbes John Shone has put that right in his…

Aberdeen Games/ Eilidh’s Trust/ SunBelt Invitational

Fraser Maitland: Aberdeen Highland Games are on Sunday, 15th June, at Hazelhead Park. Entry form is now live here. Three tunes in senior categories. We encourage those interested to enter before midnight 6th June; those who do will receive free entry to the park. Later entries accepted until 24 hours before the start of the games. Those entering on the day will play first and at the discretion of the…