Editor’s Notebook: Winter School/ Angus MacKay/ Brighde at COP/ Oldest Band/ Roddy Cannon

We are well into the 2021 Northern Winter School here on the plains of Lower Saxony and as I write the music mingles with forests and fields that have borne witness to the best and worst of human conduct. In this little corner of Lohheide over 50 piping and drumming students banish the pandemic memories, learn their rudiments and re-kindle old friendships. The format is, as ever, hard work in…

Donald Morrison Archive: A Letter from Sheriff JP Grant, Rothiemurchus

As a young man in his 20s Donald Morrison, South Uist and Aberdeen, was determined to make a name for himself in piping. He communicated by letter with some of the noted individuals of the day. This article is from a letter Sheriff JP Grant, Rothiemurchus, Piobaireachd Society editor and judge, wrote to Donald in 1957. Forthright and instructive, it makes compelling reading …. Dear Donald, To answer all your…

My Tribute to Balvenie Medal Winner John Wilson

This tribute was given in person at the Glenfiddich Championship held at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, on October 30, where the writer was Master of Ceremonies….. The Balvenie Medal is awarded annually at the Glenfiddich Championship to recognize a lifetime contribution to piping. It’s the giving back, selflessly giving of one’s self, that is the key criterion for the awarding of this prestigious medal. If I may use a term…

Lochaber Gathering Results

This prestigious competition was held today, August 27, in the Highland Cinema, Fort William. Sponsors were the Moidart Trust and PF Charitable Trust. The P/A MSR, Hornpipe & Jig and 6/8 March were held outside the cinema under a canopy. There was a strong entry in B/C events. P/A Piobaireachd1 Ben Duncan, MacDougall’s Gathering 2 Sandy Cameron, End of the High Bridge 3 Cameron Macdougall, Old Men of the Shells…

Oban’s 150th Anniversary Games Complete Results (updated)

A reduced games was held today at Mossfield Park, Oban. There were piping events for ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade March and Strathspey & Reel and Open Jig, with prizemoney similar to previous years. Thirty seven pipers entered, 21 in the ‘A’ grade and 16 in the ‘B’. During a break in proceedings AG piping convenors Jamie Mellor (l) and Torquil Telfer took time to present the College of Piping Trophy…