By John Campbell, Piping Steward
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Highland Society of London Gold Medal at the Oban Games. The Highland Society of London was founded in 1871 with the piping added to the programme in 1873.
The inaugural Gold Medal competition was held on the 8th September 1875 to reward the best Piobaireachd player. The competition was won by John MacBean who was employed as a piper and valet to Lord Middleton of Birdsall House Yorkshire.
John MacBean’s piping pedigree is second to none. He won the Gold Medal for the second time in 1877. He also won the equivalent competition at the Northern meeting in 1869 and became the only piper to win the Gold Medal three times. He probably would have won more but the organisers decided to make previous winners ineligible. He was born in Petty in Inverness-shire and was taught by PM Alexander MacLennan of the Inverness militia.
The Highland Society of London have kindly donated a one off silver tumble cup to mark the occasion along with their usual Gold Medal. Bagpipe Covers have highlighted the significance of the 150th anniversary on the winners banner.
