The National Piping Centre has passed the stewardship of the prestigious Silver Chanter competition over to the Piobaireachd Society, with the next event to be held in 2024. The Isle of Skye Piping Society were the organisers of the competition for 51 years, with the drawing room of Dunvegan Castle […]
On February 25, the winner of the 2023 Archie Kenneth Quaich for amateur piobaireachd was Matthew Kirkwood playing the Battle of Auldearn No. 1. Prizes were given out by Derek Fraser, Secretary of the Piobaireachd Society. Full results: Twenty-three played. Judges were Ronnie MacShannon and Finlay Johnston. Ronnie gave a […]
Dr. Jack Taylor popped into The National Piping Centre recently for an interview with Andrew Bova. The chat initially focuses on Jack’s experience of the Bobs of Balmoral and their teaching methods, particularly the technique of singing tunes as an aid to learning. Jack also spoke about his 12 years […]
The Piobaireachd Society recommends the following for competitions in 2023: A. SENIOR COMPETITIONS A new approach to setting tunes for the senior competitions is recommended for a trial period of five years. The aim is to give competitors a wider choice of tunes while still ensuring exposure for the appropriate […]
Ronald Lawrie of Oban (1927-2008) wasn’t called ‘Big Ronnie’ for nothing. But his broad-shouldered, 6ft 5in frame and imposing, square-jawed presence were almost incidental to his considerable stature in piping — and an involvement that began with direct influences from the 19th century and continues into the 21st century. He […]
