SPA celebrates 100 years

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SPA President, Tom Johnstone opens the evening with a selection of tunes.
SPA President, Tom Johnstone opens the evening with a selection of tunes.

The Scottish Pipers’ Association – one of the most prominent and historical piping organisations – marked its centenary in style last night at an informal evening of piping at The National Piping Centre Otago Street, the former College of Piping.

A near capacity audience were welcomed by President, Tom Johnstone who played a few tune before delivering a short history of the famous piping organisation.

The evening featured short recitals from Rory Grossart, Andrew Ferguson, Logan Tannock, Barry Donaldson, Mathew Anderson, Emily Anderson and Kyle Shead.

Next month, on February 8, the first semi final of the SPA’s current ‘Knockout’ series for the Piping Times Trophy sees Steven Leask and John Patrick play. This is followed on March 6 when Stuart Liddell takes on Callum Beaumont. The Knockout final is on May 2.

Past Presdient, Rory Grossart was in fine form.

Although founded in 2910, the origins of the SPA go back to 1910. Its founders were some of the leadings pipers of the era and include Willie Gray, John MacDougall Gillies, Willie MacLean, Iain MacPherson, Archie McPhedran, Robert Reid.

The SPA’s annual Adult Amateur contest will be held on Sunday, March 29 at Otago St Glasgow.

The SPA was the charity that last year was chosen to benefit from online donations from the livestream of the Glenfiddich. Stuart Letford presents the cheque to Tom Johnstone.