Callum Beaumont. Photo: Derek Maxwell.

The Lewis & Harris Piping Society is reviving its programme of recitals over the winter, beginning with a performance from Callum Beaumont in Stornoway on Saturday, November 9. 

The Society ran a popular programme of recitals from the time it was formed in the 1970s until about a decade ago. Its first recitalist was Norman Gillies who brought his young son, Alasdair, with him to play as well.

Dr John Smith, Chairman of The Lewis and Harris Piping Society, said: “For many years, the Society held anything up to six recitals a year, inviting the best pipers in Scotland. The recitals were initially held in the Royal Hotel and latterly the Royal British Legion Club but for the past few years it’s proven a bit beyond their means to bring good pipers to Stornoway to demonstrate to the youth the standard they should be aspiring to.

“But thanks to a very generous donation from a private individual the Society plan to organise perhaps up to four recitals over the next few months.”

Beaumont will also conduct a workshop during the day.

The rectial takes place in the Caladh Hotel at 7.30pm. Tickets for the recital are £10, with concessions available, and can be bought at the door.

Callum Beaumont has won most of the major solo piping competitions including the Clasp at The Northern Meetings, two Gold Medals, the Silver Chanter and an overall win at the Lewis & Harris Piping Society’s Pipe Major Donald Macleod Memorial Competition. He has also won four World Pipe Band Championships and teaches Dollar Academy’s Novice Juvenile pipe band.

Other recitalists will be announced in due course.