Dr Jack Taylor reports on Aboyne Highland Games’ innovative solo piping competition: ‘An excellent response; 32 entries. There has been one withdrawal so I am offering that place on a first come first served basis. Anybody wanting it should let me know ASAP on jackandmarytaylor@gmail.com or text 07999955386. Then complete and send the entry form https://forms.gle/noPNNJPjAboPXRYH7 – six piobaireachd, three MSRs. ‘The entries are split 2:1 UK/US, the field is high quality, so the…

If agreement can be reached the RSPBA’s World Solo Drumming will be moved to a new date for 2020, December 5. The change follows discussions between the Association’s Music Board and the hosts Glasgow Caledonian University. Interested parties are asked to offer their views on the date change by August 24. In other changes: A new Adult Section for tenor drummers will be added with the title of the tenor…

Two new books of pipe music have been published in the last few weeks. The first, ‘A Boys’ Brigade Collection of Bagpipe Music’ is by Mr John Shone and the second ‘Eat, Sleep, Pipe, Repeat’ is by Kyle Warren. All proceeds from Mr Shone’s book go towards the Boys’ Brigade, the movement founded by Sir William Smith in Glasgow in 1883. Mr Shone, a former competing piper and an active…

By Douglas Adam, Uddingston Strathclyde Executive Committee I am delighted to announce that USPB is creating an academy structure to ensure the long-term future of piping and drumming in the central belt of Scotland. With its history dating back to 1972, Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band has a proud heritage as a member of the RSPBA. The organisation is now embarking on a new chapter in its history to deliver a sustainable…

Reader Hugh Bevan writes: ‘My Gillanders and McLeod pipes are for sale. They are blackwood pipes with ivory mounts and nickel ferrules and are in very good condition. ‘They were professionally refurbished at the beginning of this year. Price: £1,850. Please contact me on:  h.c.bevan@btinternet.com .’ More details and pictures here. The Piping Press Online Advertising Service is a great way to sell your pipes, chanters etc. Only £25 per insertion…