Guards Club Knockout promoter Jimmy Banks has announced the competitors, dates and solo piping head-to-heads for the 2026/27 season.
- Sunday 29 November 2026: Christopher McCartan v Ross Connor
- Sunday 24 January 2027: Gordon Bruce v Douglas Baird
- Sunday 21 February 2027: Callum Lowther v Norrie Gillies
- Sunday 21 March 2027: Callum Wynd v Scott McAskill
Each piper must perform a 30-minute set, which needs to contain a March, Strathspey and Reel and the ground of a piobaireachd. An audience vote decides the winner of each heat, while the final will also include judges. The draw for the semi-finals will be held after round four.
The heats take place at the Scots Guards Club in Clifton Terrace, Haymarket, opposite the railway station in Edinburgh. Entry is £6, and half-time pies are available.
Now in its second decade, the Knockout has become a highlight of the piping scene in Scotland’s capital.
The Scots Guards Club was formerly a military club but membership has for many years now been open to all.