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…

Kenmore and Inverness Games Results (Updated)

Jen Mackintosh reports from last week’s Kenmore Games in Perthshire: A rather wet and dreich evening at Kenmore, but the pipers persevered as always. Midgies were quite considerate and stayed away until near the end! Have attached a picture of prizewinners [above]. Judge was Robert Barnes. 18 & U March: 1 Arthur Mackay 2 Cailean Acamovic 3 Sam Brass 4 Lily Robertson18 & U S&R: 1 Arthur Mackay 2 Lily Robertson 3 Cailean Acamovic 4 Ruaridh Lean18…

Editor’s Notebook: Band Medleys/ Games Updates/ Lochaber Entry/ Mod 1982 Picture

Another of our brave, anonymous correspondents has chipped in apropos my comments on band medleys saying that I am longing for the glory days of Muirhead & Sons. You should understand my faceless friend that there were no ‘glory days’ for Muirheads under the medley regime from 1970 onwards. They all belonged to Shotts, Dysart, Edinburgh Police, and then Strathclyde Police. The imposition of the medley was a huge sea…