BC Pipers Association Indoor Meet Results

Robert MacNeill reports: Bruce Gandy won the MacCrimmon Memorial Cairn for Open Piping Piobaireachd, the March, Strathspey & Reel, and the Aggregate at the 2017 BCPA Annual Gathering on April 14 & 15 at Clayton Heights Secondary School, Surrey, BC. Andrew Lewis captured the Competing Pipers Association Combined B&C Grade Piobaireachd. Andrew is pictured above receiving his award. Grant Maxwell won both the Open Snare Drumming events and Mackenzie Webster took…

Maclean Highland Gathering NSW – Updated with Report and Pictures

Report from the 113th Maclean Highland Gathering held 14th April 2017 in northern New South Wales, Australia. The picture above shows winner Andrew Roach in typical Antipodean formal dress. Robert Gibb writes: For the 113th time in its long history, the annual Maclean Highland Gathering was held on Easter weekend over the 14th and 15th of April.  The Friday focusses on solo piping with all grades represented. ‘A’ grade competitors compete in the Maclean Gold Medal contest comprising Piobaireachd, MSR, Hornpipe and…

Scottish Pipers Association Professional Results

The Scottish Pipers’ Association Annual Professional Piping Competition was held today at the College of Piping in Glasgow with a strong field and a healthy entry. The ceol beag was broadcast on Livestream. The picture above shows 2017 prizewinners (l-r) Gordon McCready, Sarah Muir and Graham Drummond. There was a last minute change to the judging line-up due to a family illness. Piobaireachd: Dr Bill Wotherspoon and Bruce Hitchings. Light Music:  Ian McLellan BEM…

European Pipe Band Championships Launched

The promoters of the European Pipe Band Championships, ‘Piping at Forres’ have sent this on launch day for the championship: ‘The countdown to Moray’s biggest one day event which attracts visitors from all over the world is on, with tickets now on sale. Piping At Forres, the European Pipe Band Championships will take place on June 24 in Grant Park. Organisers of the event, sponsored by Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky,…

History: Lowering the Pitch of Pipe Chanters to Suit Military Bands

The following is taken from the catalogue of the noted Edinburgh pipe maker and music publisher J&R Glen of 497 Lawnmarket. Headlined ‘Important Notice’ it was issued by them in 1929….. The particular attention of Pipe Band Presidents is drawn to Army Council Instruction No.544 of 19th December 1928 authorising the change in all army bands from High Pitch to Low Pitch. This instruction must, in time, effect the Pipe Band…