Online Entries Open for 2025 Argyllshire Gathering/ Graeme Johnston Results

The 2025 Argyllshire Gathering takes place on August 27th and 28th and pipers can now enter online via the Gathering’s updated website. The closing date for all competitions, Senior Piobaireachd and Former Winners’ MSR included, is January 31st and no late entries will be accepted. In years past, senior competitions, given the lower numbers and automatic qualification, have not required this stipulation. Entry fees of £50 must be paid by…

Draw for London Championship Announced

The 84th Annual Championship promoted by the Scottish Piping Society of London will be held this weekend, the Bratach Gorm on Friday, November 15 at 5pm, and the remainder of the competitions the following day beginning 9am. The venue is the Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, Belgravia. Admission for spectators is £25 for the Friday evening and £30 for both days. The Caledonian Club dress code prohibits jeans, trainers, and…

‘Pipe Band Reflections’ – Two Books Detailing a Lifetime in Pipe Bands

Having spent literally a life time associated with pipe bands as a competitor, educator and adjudicator, it struck me that not a lot had been written about this musical genre, or certainly not in published book form.  When discussing piping and drumming with fellow competitors, all have their own historical perspective mainly based on the bands they played in or competed against.  These comments tend to be anecdotal in nature…

Editor’s Notebook: Malcolm Ferguson and Remembrance Sunday/ Piper Poem/ City Mural/ Kiwi Film

Malcolm Ferguson’s grandson Colin Moulson has responded to our request for a picture. ‘Sadly we do not believe we have any of him in uniform or in whatever bands he was in post war. ‘The attached does however show some of his action in the First World War. He had a bullet lodged in his neck from being shot (on which occasion we are not sure) whilst leading troops to…

Entries Closing for George Watson’s Caritas Banner/ RSPBA Junior Contests This Weekend

Entries for the ‘Caritas Banner’ (pictured above) close tomorrow, Friday, November 8. The competition is run by George Watson’s College Pipe Band. It has so far attracted some of the best young players in the country but there are still spaces available in all events. The competition takes place on Sunday 24 November 2024 at the Edinburgh-based College. Sponsors are David Glen, Bagpipe-makers and the Piobaireachd Society. All competitors must…