Tomintoul Highland Games Results

The traditional Highland Games took place at Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire, last Saturday, July 18, writes Duncan Watson. The village is believed to be the highest settlement in the country.  In common with the USA, this year marks its 250 years of existence. There were extra events to celebrate this.  Considering the population of the village and surrounding area, there was a huge crowd of spectators and, having chatted to a few, it was…

Stonehaven & North Uist Games and Helensburgh Contest Results (updated)

Stonehaven (July 19) enjoyed spectacular weather with warm sunshine. There is no piobaireachd at this games. Champion piper was Campbell Wilson, listed as of Czechia though originally from New Zealand. Pictured above are prizewinners Calum Brown, Campbell Wilson and Ursa Beckford. Open March: 1 Campbell Wilson 2 Calum Brown 3 Ursa BeckfordOpen S&R: 1 Campbell Wilson 2 Calum Brown 3 Ursa Beckford U18 March: 1 Rory Menzies 2 Larry Presslie…

Taynuilt Games Results (updated with juniors)

A beautiful day in Argyllshire and a very healthy entry in the senior piping. Piobaireachd champion Calum Carn, NZ, is pictured above. Sixteen played in the piobaireachd, and 19 in the March and Strathspey and Reel.  Piobaireachd1 Callum Carn, Beloved Scotland 2 Eireann Cameron, Lament for the Iolaire3 Ursa Beckford, Lament for the Children  March1 David Bruce 2 Callum Craib 3 Sandy Cameron  S&R1 David Bruce 2 Callum Craib 3 Magnus Stone  Junior March: 1…

Before Scotland? Ladies Pipe Bands in Victoria, Australia – Part 2

TIn January 1918, the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society announced that women would be enrolled in its pipe band. This society’s male band was no weak or novelty outfit. It was a champion band. But the war had depleted its ranks. The Weekly Times reported: ‘It is announced that 20 young women have joined the pipe band of the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society.’ By Stephen Matthews, Chairman…

Readers Continue to Show Concerns over Worlds Grade 2 Heats and Numbers in Grade 1

Ian Forbes: If the RSPBA had promoted the top two or three Grade Two bands from last year’s Worlds, (e.g. Glasgow Skye, North Stratton, Dunedin – I forget the exact order), bands which many thought were already playing to a Grade 1 standard, this would have been the outcome: a) there would be no need for Grade 2 qualifiers this year, and b) Grade 1 numbers would have swelled to…