Latest news

Massed bands at Gourock … but not this year.

More cancellations …

As expected, there have been more cancellations and postponements in the piping world as a result of advice concerning the Coronavirus pandemic: • The Scots Guards Knockout has been postponed till later in the year. The first semi final – between Angus MacColl Jnr. and Brighde Chaimbeul – was due […]

The NPC's Margaret Dunn conducting a lesson today via Skype.

COVID-19: we have the technology

With Britons being urged to avoid all non-essential travel and social contact in the latest attempts to slow the spread of coronavirus, more piping and pipe band events are being cancelled by organisers. However, technology is now being used more than ever in an effort to maintain practice schedules. For example, […]

CLASP competition goes ahead in unique trial of technology

CLASP competition goes ahead in unique trial of technology

The National Piping Centre’s competition for amateur pipers, the Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers (CLASP) is to go ahead as scheduled at the end of this month. In what is reckoned to be a first in piping competitions, pipers will compete remotely using technology. The trial of technology in […]

Inveraray Pipe Band marches into the circle at the 2019 British Pipe Band Championships held in Paisley.

British cancelled

The first RSPBA pipe band ‘major’ of the season, the British Pipe Band Championships, was cancelled today by promoter Renfrewshire District Council in consultation with the RSPBA. A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “In line with national guidance from the Scottish Government on the coronavirus, we have taken the decision to […]

Coronavirus: SPA, LBPS, RSPS events postponed/cancelled

Coronavirus: SPA, LBPS, RSPS events postponed/cancelled

More piping events have been either postponed or cancelled due to the concerns over the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). The Scottish Pipers’ Association’s two competitions have been postponed and its forthcoming monthly Club Night has been cancelled. All three were due to take place at the National Piping Centre’s campuses in […]

Isle of Islay marches into the circle at a rain-soaked Bught Park.

RSPBA: first three majors may be re-scheduled

Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) this afternoon issued the following statement: “In response to the current Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), the RSPBA is aware that this is a global crisis, and the situation is changing daily. We are taking our responsibilities to members, supporters, […]

Canterbury Caledonia Pipe Band, pictured competing at the Worlds in 2018.

Canterbury Caledonian retain NZ Champions

The 2020 New Zealand Championships were held this weekend at  Queen’s Park in Invercargill. Canterbury Caledonian Society retained the title, having won it in 2019. Results: Grade 1Medley – 1. Canterbury Caledonian Society; 2. Manawatu Scottish; 3. New Zealand Police; 4. Auckland & District.MSR – 1. Canterbury Caledonian Society; 2. Manawatu Scottish; […]

Hygiene is to the fore more than ever.

Your set and your health

With many events falling victim to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all monitoring the guidelines from our respective governments around the world. Our chosen is just that: a hobby. Some take it more serious than others but it’s still a hobby. As The National Piping Centre advised on […]

Prizewinners at last year's Duncan Johnstone Memorial Competition flanked by Duncan's two sons.

Duncan Johnstone Memorial postponed

The Duncan Johnstone Memorial Piping Competition is the latest piping event to fall victim to concerns over the Coronavirus outbreak. The competition, organised by The National Piping Centre (NPC), was due to take place tomorrow. The NPC said today in a statement: “The extremely difficult decision has been taken to […]