1906-1908 By Jeannie Campbell After the resignations of the previous years, the remaining members continued the work of the Piobaireachd Society and produced a second book of six tunes in 1906. The six tunes in the book were set for the 1906 competitions and the rule was stated that, “No […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE The “Piobaireachd Society of Scotland” gave notice in the autumn of 1903 that it would hold a competition at the 1904 Argyllshire Gathering at which it would award a total of £30 in prizes. The first prize shall be £20 and a Gold Medal, second prize […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1899, the Argyllshire Gathering placed an advert in the Oban Times of August 26. Alex Shairp, the Gathering’s secretary, listed all the piping events (and prize money): 1. Strathspeys and Reels (Champions), Champion’s Prize. Gold Medal and £3.2. Piobaireachd. Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE The Argyllshire Gathering of 1891 was spoiled by the weather. Rain fell continuously and in torrents, completely drenching everybody who was out of doors and converting the public park at Mossfield into a veritable quagmire. Many of those who would normally attend stayed away including competitors. […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1884 there was some doubt as to whether the Gathering would be held. The Oban Times of August 23 carried a letter from ‘Gillie Calum’ saying he had been watching the columns for the announcement of the Games – “so far nothing, are they to […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1876 the Argyllshire Gathering games were held a day earlier than usual, on the Wednesday, September 13, with the regatta all day on the Thursday. The Lorn Ossianic Games, always previously held on Wednesday moved back to Tuesday. Its rules for the piping competitions stated: […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE The Argyllshire Gathering of 1873 was not the first games to be held in Oban that year. The Lorn Ossianic Society had been formed in the previous year, its object being “the furtherance of Celtic Sports” and it held its first highland games on September 3, […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE Pipers at the Argyllshire Gathering, if they think about its origins at all, probably believe it began as an ordinary Highland Games or as a piping competition to award the Gold Medal and the other important prizes. If they notice the presence of the Duke of […]
Regular readers will recall our post on Jeannie Campbell’s discovery of a rare photograph showing Willie Lawrie receiving his Gold Medal at the 1910 Northern Meeting. The post also included two other rare photographs from that year’s competition, one of which [pictured] shows four judges who were seated, hidden from […]
By Burgess Hay Today is the 275th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. As I stand here beside, but not on, the windy moor, I find it impossible not to reflect on the winds of change that swept through highland society and through piping, in particular, in the months and […]
