Some Reflections on the World Pipe Band Championships 2022 – Part 2

The following offer some general observations I noted over the two days regarding the bands which played in the main arena. The four in Juvenile played their musical medleys very well and illustrated the standard of tuition in the schools they represented.  It is just a pity the numbers in this grade have been in single figures in recent years.  Hopefully they can be expanded as the pandemic recovery continues. …

Aberfeldy Games Results/ Gala Piobaireachd Concert/ Glenfinnan Reminder

A blistering hot day for last Saturday’s (Aug 13) Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering at Aberfeldy. The Champion Piper, Bruce Erskine, is pictured above with his trophy and adjudicators Neil Mulvie (l) and Derek Fraser. Fife-based piper Brian Lamond continued his run of success in ceòl mòr at the games. Piobaireachd1 Brian Lamond 2 Chris McLeish 3 Bruce Erskine 4 Mark MacKenzie 5 Xavier Boderiou 6 Ewan Allen March, Strathspey &…

Some Reflections on the World Pipe Band Championships 2022

The 2022 Worlds took place in unusually extreme heat.  I listened to most of Grade 1 from the spectator stand on both days, although was forced to leave the stand mid-afternoon each day when I could tolerate the heat no longer. The seats in the main stand are not what you would ever describe as comfortable either! Perhaps it is due to my advancing years, but I cannot ever recall such…

Draw Announced for 2022 Argyllshire Gathering

A week today the world’s top pipers will gather in the west Highland town of Oban for the prestigious Argyllshire Gathering solo piping competitions. Over 120 pipers have entered for events ranging from the Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and reel to the local March. Day 1 is given over to piobaireachd with four major events taking place. These are the Senior Piobaireachd, the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal, the…

A Scorching Day at the Worlds and a Scorching Performance from Field Marshal Montgomery

I sat through all of the Grade 1 band performances on the Friday at the Worlds. I sought refuge at the back of the south-facing stand where overhanging trees afforded a little shade from oppressive sunshine. It meant I was further away from the action. Bear that in mind when you read my comments. A few general points on the two days. Firstly Glasgow Life need to get a life…