RSPBA Chairman on the Changes at the Worlds

This has been a difficult year for the RSPBA with four major championships only (and one poorly attended). However the Worlds in August at Glasgow Green were viewed by everyone as an outstanding success with a number of notable innovations streamlining the Championship and finding favour with all but the most churlish. We interviewed Association Chairman Bob Niven and discussed some the changes with him and whether they would become…

Reflections on the Northern Meeting Part 2

Friday, after attending to duties with the juniors, I headed into the Clasp. The music and instruments heard here were alone worth the £27 admission, writes the Editor. I heard all but the first four performances. The top three were hard to split. Callum Beaumont had, for me, the sort of bagpipe you encounter but rarely. The top hand had a bell-like quality, chiming with the drones throughout the Daughter’s…

Reflections on the Northern Meeting Part 1

As I said in my short prelim piece, the Northern Meeting in Inverness is about more than just the piping. From the reception in the Town House last Wednesday to the Eden Court prizegiving on the Friday evening, fraternal feelings mixed with high elation and consolation. By the Editor It was heartening to see it. Though pipers grumble in private, in public they act with the best of manners and…

Pitlochry/ Bowhill/ and Recital Dinner Results

Damp conditions and the proximity of the Northern Meeting reduced entries at Pitlochry Games held on Saturday, September 13. From a fully subscribed list of 20 only 13 played. The Champion Piper was Ross Conner, Campbeltown, with three first in the light music. Ross is pictured above with his trophies. The ceòl mòr is sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society. Piob (three of each): 1 Angus MacPhee, Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute…

Northern Meeting/ Pitlochry Draw/ Cancale Pipers

The annual Northern Meeting piping competitions got underway last night with a reception in Inverness Town House, writes the Editor. It was a convivial gathering with refreshments gratis from the town council and music from last year’s Silver Medallist Brodie Watson-Massey and the Queen’s Own Highlanders ex-members band. Heavy rain did not dampen the occasion. It takes more than water to dilute the importance of this gathering of enthusiasts for…