Entries are open for this year’s annual bellows piping competition organised by the Lowland & Border Pipers’ Society (LBPS), and they have also announced a Piobaireachd Masterclass weekend with Allan MacDonald.
The competition takes place on Saturday, April 9 at the Burgh Halls in the historical West Lothian town of Linlithgow. A variety of categories are lined up, including novice, intermediate, open, those aged 65+, pipe and song, pipe duets … and the Skeely Piper, the theme of which for this year is tunes associated with Perthshire.
This will be the first time since 2019 that the competition has taken place in full. Two categories were held at the organisation’s annual conference last November in Galashiels.
LBPS Chairman, Stuart Letford said: “The LBPS has never held any of its events in Linlithgow throughout its inception, which is a bit ironic given that one of our founding members, Gordon Mooney, lived there for many years.
“It was felt that it was time we held this popular event outwith the usual venues in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. With Linlithgow being roughly half way between the two cities, it’s a good choice.
“We encourage all bellows pipers to have a go at competing, whatever stage they are at. Our competition is held in a supportive atmosphere. We have some esteemed piping judges plus the audience has a say in the results.”
The competition is open to members and non-members. The entry form for the competition can be found here.
Entry to the event is free to anyone who wishes to simply come along and listen. Doors open from 9.30.
Legendary piper Allan MacDonald is leading a Piobaireachd Masterclass weekend on behalf of the LBPS on April 22-24. The venue is Allendale in Northumbria. Limited spaces are available for this. Full details can be found here.
