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Matt MacIsaac is the focus of a new interview about The MacIsaac Collection – Volume 1 and the way he approaches composing. The piece also offers advice aimed at pipers and pipe band drummers who want to write original music.
Jeannie Campbell MBE continues her historical research series on piping and pipers in Dundee in the 1800s.
Entries open on 27 October for the Scottish Pipers’ Association’s annual Juvenile Solo Piping Competition in Glasgow on 5 December. Young pipers will compete in age categories for piobaireachd, light music and a four-part event.
Entries for the Scottish Pipers’ Association juvenile competition go live at 19:00 on 27 October. The competition itself is set for 5 December at the National Piping Centre on Otago Street.
The RSPBA has set its 2027 band registration fees at the same rates as this year and warned that payment is due by 30 November to avoid a 20% surcharge. Separate rates apply for juveniles, new bands and overseas entrants.
BCPA is promoting St. Andrew’s Ball & Ceilidh with St. Andrew’s & Caledonian Society of Vancouver, set for Saturday, 28 November at the Vancouver Scottish Cultural Centre. The event is reported as 85% sold out.
The 100% Collective of 28 female pipers and drummers marched through Quiberon, Brittany, on 25 October en route to the Festival Presqu’île Breizh. Drum-Major Emma Barr led the group at the front.
Pipe Bands Australia has opened its 2026 Member Engagement Survey and is asking members and the wider pipe band community to help guide the association’s future direction.
Kyle Wardell has left the 78th Fraser Highlanders after five months, while Mark Passmore and most of Ottawa Highlanders’ drum section have joined the band as part of a change in the Grade 1 drum corps.
Brodie Watson-Massey reviews The MacIsaac Collection of Pipe Music Volume 1, compiled, edited and published by Matt MacIsaac. The book gathers 75 compositions and arrangements and is available in print-plus-pdf or pdf-only editions.
When the Pipers Play is a new history of the Great Highland Bagpipes, with sales helping support today’s Armed Forces community. The book is being promoted as a charitable project tied to that cause.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has appointed Meaghan Lyons as its new chief executive. The move is being welcomed in piping circles for her business background and experience across the pipe band world.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association spotlights the 100% Collective Pipe Band, an international all-women ensemble drawing attention across the piping world. The piece also connects the band’s story to BCPA members and the Pacific Northwest.
Cullen Pipe Band in Co. Cork marked its 85th anniversary on 17 October 2026, with family, friends and the local community gathering to celebrate. The occasion also recognised Pipe Major Con Houlihan’s 50 years with the band.
Pipe Bands Australia elected a new national leadership team at its annual general meeting on 18 October, with David Doyle of Tasmania chosen as president. Joel Solak of Tasmania was elected secretary.
Eddie Gorman looks back on his first trip to North America with Muirhead & Sons for the Scottish Tattoo at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. He describes an event that featured leading Grade 1 bands from Scotland and Northern Ireland, along with local bands.
British Columbia Pipers’ Association president says he will seek another term at the upcoming annual general meeting and board election. The announcement is directed to BCPA members and concerns the association’s leadership vote.
Readers are being asked to predict the top five overall winners at the 2026 Glenfiddich on 31 October at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland. The prize package is offered by R.G. Hardie & Co.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has confirmed there will be no increase in band registration fees for the 2027 season. Registration has now opened for member bands.
Major Sinclair Memorial have announced that Glenn Cupples will lead the band as Pipe Major for the 2027 season. P/M Nigel O’Neill is stepping down after five years in the role.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association is promoting website advertising for events and other news of interest to its members and followers. It says members receive special pricing and social reach for those promotions.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has appointed Meaghan Lyons as its next chief executive officer. The announcement was released on 20 October 2026.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has named Meaghan Lyons as its next chief executive officer, with Colin Mulhern due to hand over in March 2027. Lyons will begin a transitional post at the association’s Glasgow headquarters.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has named Meaghan Lyons as its next chief executive officer. The appointment is the latest leadership move at the governing body.
The Piobaireachd Society’s long list of set tunes for the senior piobaireachd events at Oban and Inverness is being assessed as the five-year experiment nears its end next year. The arrangement was introduced in 2023 and had been popular with audiences.
A pipes|drums opinion piece argues that good band leadership is about developing players, not blaming departures as poaching. The article uses the idea of answering members’ needs to keep them engaged.
Six Australian competitors represented their bands and country at the 2026 World Solo Drumming Championships. The piece highlights their performances on the international stage.
David Doyle has delivered his first address to Pipe Bands Australia members after being elected National President at the AGM on 18 October 2026.
At Cookstown High School on 24 September, James Frazer of Field Marshal Montgomery won the senior piping title at the All-Ireland & JAC Solo Piping & Drumming Championships. William Glenholmes also featured in the senior titles, while John McElmurry and Alastair Donaghy were among the other named competitors.
BBC Scotland and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association have confirmed that the 2027 World Pipe Band Championships livestream is still undecided. A petition calling for the broadcast to be saved has gathered close to 3,000 signatures.
Pipe Bands Australia has elected new national leadership following its Annual General Meeting on 18 October 2026. David Doyle is among those named in the announcement.
Kerr McQuillan of Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia won the 2026 World Solo Drumming Championship at Glasgow Caledonian University. He took the world’s top solo snare title in a field of 33 competitors.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 at 7:00 p.m. The notice gives the meeting date and start time, but no venue details.
The 2026 World Solo Pipe Band Snare Drumming final dozen has been confirmed after the semi-final in Glasgow. The final list is headed by Richard Black, Blair Brown, Alex Buchanan and Derek Cooper, with 12 players set to contest the title.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has published its 2027 season band registration fees. The notice concerns the coming season and does not name any competitors or results.
Stuart Liddell MBE is due to give an intimate evening recital at Moffat Distillery on 14 November. He is identified as Pipe Major of Inveraray and District Pipe Band.
The notebook looks ahead to the World Solo Drumming in Glasgow and wishes the drummers well, while arguing that judges should weigh both musical and technical playing. It also points readers toward related piping items, including a Stuart Liddell recital.
The World Solo Pipe Band Snare Drumming Championships returns to Glasgow Caledonian University on 17 October 2026, with 33 qualifiers in the semi-final heats. Defending champion Kerr McQuillan is among the competitors, alongside 2025 champion Alen Tully and multiple former winners.
Pipe Major Ben Duncan is set to perform at the Mackenzie Caledonian Piping Recitals on 16 October. The recital is presented by the Mackenzie Caledonian Piping Recitals.
Douglas Murray has been appointed pipe major of the Grade 2 LA Scots and says he is honoured to follow Scott MacDonald. The interview looks ahead to the demands of the role for the Fife-based former pipe major of Fife Police and solo piping champion.
LA Scots is changing pipe-majors, with Douglas Murray of Fife taking over from Scott MacDonald. MacDonald is stepping back after more than 35 years with the band.
Fife-based Douglas Murray has been appointed Pipe Major of LA Scots. The band said Scott MacDonald has stepped down with immediate effect after serving as a key figure since its start in 1992.
The Raasay Pitlochry Concert is scheduled for Pitlochry Town Hall on 30 October 2026, the Friday evening before the Glenfiddich. It is presented as a separate event from the Raasay Competition.
Angus Clarke says the Raasay Pitlochry Concert will take place in Pitlochry Town Hall on the evening before the Glenfiddich. The concert is presented as a varied piping programme rather than a step-dancing competition.
Thomas Fallon of Edinburgh won the 2026 Lochnell Championship at Lochnell Castle in Argyll after placing second in the Piobaireachd and third in the MSR. Eight pipers competed at the invitational event organised by the Argyllshire Gathering Trust.
City of Angels took the top Grade 3 prize at the 2026 Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, while its new Grade 5 band made its debut over the two days of competition.
Bagpipe News has published the third part of Jeannie Campbell MBE’s research series on piping and pipers in Dundee in the 1800s. It is a historical article rather than a competition report.
The new Piping Wire brings together piping news, competition coverage and event listings in one free service. It is aimed at keeping players and followers up to date across the piping world.
A new Set Tunes Series 2026 piece focuses on “Young George’s Salute,” with commentary on its pentatonic structure and how master players vary the theme through singlings, doublings and treblings.
Liam Horne won the 2026 Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Piping Championship in Rockville, Maryland. The contest also featured results for Angus MacPhee, Ben Duncan, Kyle Shead, Connor Sinclair, Ashley McMichael, Josh Dickson, Sandy Cameron and Alasdair Henderson.
Thomas Fallon of Edinburgh won the 6th annual Lochnell Piping Championship on 10 October at Lochnell Castle. The invitation-only under-22 contest brought together young solo pipers, with Fallon representing Field Marshal Montgomery.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has walked back its earlier claim about BBC Scotland’s Worlds coverage. It now says the broadcaster has not made a final decision on the 2027 livestream.
Liam Horne of Wise, Virginia, won the 43rd Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Piping Championship at St. Mark Presbyterian Church. He took first in both piobaireachd and the 6/8 March to finish on 20 points.
Ashley McMichael of Antrim was named 2026 Northern Ireland Piper of the Year after winning the Piobaireachd and MMSSRR events at Ballymena.
Ben Duncan won the Premier & A Grade March, Strathspey and Reel, while Angus MacPhee won the Premier & A Grade piobaireachd at Glasgow’s Royal National Mòd. Kyle Shead also lifted the Sheelah J trophy.
Connor Sinclair, Callum Beaumont, Alasdair Henderson, Finlay Johnston and Angus D. MacColl performed at the 2026 Pipe-Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge Recital. The recital took place in the Strathclyde Suite and drew a packed audience.
Entries are open for the Caritas Banner Piobaireachd Competition for pipers aged 18 and under at George Watson’s College. Ben Duncan is hosting the event, which is being held there again.
The Lochnell Intermediate Championship is set for Benderloch, where eight young professionals will play piobaireachd and MSR for the title. Douglas Baird, Kyle Cameron, Thomas Fallon, Malachi Johannsen, Chris McCartan, Liam Nicolson, Andrew Pattison and Magnus Stone are named as the competitors.
Calum Brown and Sean McKeown continue reflecting on their 2026 Highland Society of London Gold Medal victories, following wins at the Northern Meeting and the Argyllshire Gathering. The conversation is the second and final part of their interview.
Donald WG Lindsay and Roo Geddes are behind Honeymoon Bridge, a new double album featuring songs, smallpipes, fiddle and piano. The release marks the Lindsay System’s tenth anniversary year.
P/M Ben Duncan says the Caritas Banner Piobaireachd Competition for pipers aged 18 and under will be held on 29 November at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh. The event is piobaireachd-only and includes three age-based categories, with entries due by the closing date noted in the announcement.
BBC Scotland says it has not decided whether to livestream the 2027 World Pipe Band Championships, while the RSPBA says the BBC has axed the coverage because of budget cuts. The dispute centres on the future of the Worlds broadcast.
Celtic Connections has announced its 2027 programme, with Highland pipes, smallpipes and uilleann pipes featured throughout the festival. The line-up includes the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.
The second London Recital brought ceòl mòr and ceòl beag back to the City of London, following the inaugural event last year. The recital page points readers to photos, a highlights video and full recordings of the two piobaireachd.
Calum Brown and Sean McKeown discuss their victories after winning the 2026 Gold Medals and setting new piping goals. The piece is a video conversation focused on their achievement and what comes next.
The first Grant’s Championship, later known as the Glenfiddich Championship, was held at Blair Castle in October 1974. Jeannie Campbell notes that Liz Maxwell of William Grant was involved from the start.
Finlay Johnston leads the Piobaireachd results from the Captain John MacLellan Memorial Competition at the Army School of Piping in Inchdrewer House, Edinburgh. The report notes the results are incomplete and may need correction.
The Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association has scheduled online fall workshops for pipers and drummers, with judges Terry Lee and Duncan Millar leading the Zoom sessions. It also plans a November Mini Gathering as part of the off-season programme.
The planned BBC retreat from World Pipe Band Championships coverage has prompted criticism and renewed debate about how the event is presented. The piece argues the current setup needs change, but says coverage should continue.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association says it is disappointed by the BBC's decision not to film the World Pipe Band Championships. The statement centres on the impact for one of piping's biggest events.
Nineteen-year-old Nicholas Weston of Auckland has taken the New Zealand Young Piper of the Year title, winning the overall Under-21 prize against 12 other competitors.
The 43rd Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Contest will be held at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville, Maryland, in partnership with the Institute of Musical Traditions. The weekend begins with a judges’ recital on Friday evening, 9 October.
The Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Solo Piping Competition returns to the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena on 10 October, with 10 pipers competing for the 2026 title. The event began in 1979 at the Tullymore House Hotel in Broughshane.
BBC Scotland has re-confirmed that it has not decided on the World Pipe Band Championships broadcasts, including the free livestream. The timing matches previous years, when broadcast decisions came much closer to the event.
Ulster Scottish pipe-major Eric Ouellette and lead-drummer Derek Cooper talk about reaching Grade 1 and the challenge of staying there. The conversation focuses on the band’s next steps at the top level.
Jeannie Campbell MBE says a blind piper, Michael Kazmierski Dunn, got in touch after the new edition of her Highland Bagpipe Makers book was published. The piece is a personal response from Campbell rather than a competition report.
A second retrospective on Harry McNulty revisits his career as a piper, pipe major, adjudicator and bagpipe maker, drawing on a July 2002 Pipe Band Magazine feature.
The 10 contestants for the 2026 Glenfiddich Solo Piping Championships at Blair Castle on 31 October are now confirmed. Among the named entrants are Chris Armstrong, Callum Beaumont, Alan Bevan and Willie McCallum.
The solo piping competitions at Mòd Ghlaschu 2026 are scheduled for 10 October, with junior events at City of Glasgow College and senior events elsewhere. The draw lists name a wide field of pipers across the day.
A review of A Guide to the Judging of Piping highlights a collection built around forewords, essays and responses from several notable figures in the piping world. The book includes work by Robert Wallace, Dugald Graham-Campbell, Malcolm McRae, James Campbell and Colin MacLellan.
James Begg is retiring after more than four decades making handmade sheepskin pipe bags through Begg Bagpipes, which he established in Glasgow in 1980. His bags have been used by leading solo pipers and pipe bands.
Ian K. MacDonald has left the Grade 1 78th Fraser Highlanders to rejoin the Grade 2 Toronto Police. Scott Russell remains pipe-major of the Fraser Highlanders.
Piping Press has re-run a 2002 Pipe Band Magazine profile of Harry McNulty, who died three weeks ago aged 93. The piece revisits his long career as one of the circuit’s most experienced pipe band judges.
The Ontario Youth Pipe Band and the PPBSO Ottawa Branch ran a Back 2 School Workshop on 26 September 2026, bringing young pipers and drummers together across Ontario. The gathering featured participants from 11 bands and organisations.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has elevated Royal Burgh of Annan and Ulster Scottish to Grade 1, taking the number of active top-grade bands to 19. Ulster Scottish, based in Philadelphia, joins St. Thomas Alumni of Houston among the American Grade 1 ranks.
Registration has opened for the 2027 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy, to be held at Marywood Retreat and Conference Center in St John’s, Florida, near Jacksonville. Chris McKeown is named as director, and the academy is described as an all-inclusive piping and drumming school with instructors from Scotland, the United States and Ireland.
The Hundred Percent Collective, an all-women pipe band made up of Grade 1 players from around the world, is set to perform for the first time at Festival Presqu’île Breizh.
Andrew Hayes heads the MSR prize list from the Glengarry Cup in Ottawa on 26 September. Watch the five prizewinning performances in pipes|drums.
Ulster Scottish and Royal Burgh of Annan move into Grade 1 for 2027. Piping Press also rounds up the junior piping and drumming results from Brechin.
The RSPBA has confirmed the band regrading changes for the 2027 season after discussion at its Standards & Grading group. The notice sets out which bands move between grades for next year.
Andrew Hayes of Nepean, Ontario, won the 2026 Glengarry Cup by taking the MSR and placing fourth in Piobaireachd. Colin MacLellan of Edinburgh won the Piobaireachd.
A 50-year-old Piping Times editorial argues that competition sits at the centre of piping, while reflecting on why the scene is built that way. The piece is presented as a historical look back rather than current news.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association has announced its first two competitions of the 2026-27 season: the Fall Mini Gathering on 14 November 2026 and the Winter Mini Gathering on 6 February 2027. Entry deadlines are 26 October 2026 and 1 January 2027.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association says membership fees will rise slightly for the 2026-27 season after board review. The increase is linked to higher operating costs including venue rentals, insurance, awards, trophy maintenance, website and communications platforms.
The new 100% Collective will bring together 30 women from Grade 1 pipe bands and Celtic folk musicians from around the world for a performance. The project is framed around women’s place in pipe-band culture and the idea of playing together rather than only standing together.
A piping tutor book has been released in hard copy and digital formats, with accompanying audio or video lessons for learners. It is presented as a 20-chapter starter course covering core technique, exercises, and the tune Amazing Grace.
Piping Press looks at Peter Henderson bagpipes on display in New York, a set of historic medals heading to auction, and The London Recital. The notebook also touches on other recent piping items and names connected with those pieces.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association has published its solo grading promotions and regradings for the 2026-27 season. It says the grading subcommittees reviewed results from BCPA-sanctioned solo and band competitions over the season.
The 2026 Glengarry Cup for Professional/Open grade solo pipers is set for 26 September in Ottawa, with contestants coming from beyond Canada. The event underlines the competition’s reach across North America and farther afield.
Thirty young pipers and drummers from across Scotland are preparing for the All-Girls Pipe Band’s first performance at the Scotland v Australia women’s international. The project is being presented by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust.
The writer looks back on an August trip to Scotland after travelling from Australia to play with Hawthorn Pipe Band at the World Pipe Band Championships. The account also mentions meeting Tim Gellaitry and taking in several piping-related visits.
St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm is advertising for an enthusiastic and committed bagpipe teacher to work as the second piping instructor. The school is in Renfrewshire, about 30 minutes from Glasgow.
The National Mod has published its piping draws for Glasgow on 10 October, with senior events set for the Piping Centre from 9am. The updated lists include the P/A Piob draw and a large field of named competitors across the Mod piping competitions.
Thirty young female pipers and drummers will take part in the Scotland v Australia Women’s Rugby International at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on 26 September in Edinburgh. The performance is being led by Eilidh MacDonald as a pitch-side display for women in piping and drumming.
A group of Victorian piping awards, including Queen Victoria’s medal to Pipe-Major William Ross, is due to be auctioned on 7 October. The sale also includes medals associated with other acclaimed pipers and the Highland Society of London.
St. Columba’s School in Renfrewshire is advertising for a piping instructor to replace Chris Gray, who has held the post since 2022. Applications close on 30 September.
A piping clinic in Manhattan drew 12 attendees, with Jim MacGillivary leading the technical session. The piece focuses on scales and single gracenote practice during a weekend visit to New York.
The National Piping Centre is set to host a five-day Gathering in November 2026. The programme is described as bringing together music, learning, laughter, and connection.
Angus D. MacColl is shown in a fast final set at the 2026 Gillies Memorial Challenge Recital. The video highlights his distinctive dance-music style in the closing tunes.
Kilchrenan and Dalavich gathered to honour Arthur Gillies, with the day also featuring the Springbank results. The event was organised by Stella Leitch and drew visitors from beyond Scotland.
A new instalment of Jeannie Campbell’s research looks at pipers and piping life in 19th-century Dundee. It continues the broader historical series on the city’s piping scene.
Brodie Watson-Massey took the overall prize at the 2026 Springbank Invitational Solo Piping Competition after winning the Piobaireachd. Chris Armstrong tied him in aggregate Piobaireachd + MSR points.
Nick Hudson has accepted the pipe-sergeant role with the Grade 1 St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band of Houston, effective immediately. Mike Cusack has retired after holding the position since 2014.
The BBC piping programmes will spotlight the Northern Meeting over the next two weekends, with recordings from several prize events. The notice also points readers toward upcoming piping items including a London recital, SPA date and school job.
The 2009 Argyllshire Gathering competition is reviewed with the main solo piping events from 26 and 27 August. The article continues the history series on the meeting.
pipes|drums presents a previously unpublished manuscript of Jock McLellan’s reel “Hands Across the Water.” The piece is transcribed in McLellan’s hand and is described as one of only a handful of four-part reels he composed.
The annual Piobaireachd Masterclass took place in Cancale, Brittany, on 12 September, with 17 participants attending a full day of instruction before the Piobaireachd by the Sea recital. Bill Wotherspoon and Patrick Molard shared the teaching duties, with Molard also helping translate in the afternoon.
Chris Apps offers advice on band reed strengths and says harder reeds are commonly chosen because they move less with pitch and pressure. The piece focuses on reed setup rather than a competition or result.
Newcastle’s Donard Park staged the last RSPBANI Branch outdoor competition of the season, including the Champion of Champions final. The day drew a strong crowd and favourable afternoon conditions.
A guest opinion in pipes|drums makes the case for better teaching and support for bass drummers, arguing that respect and encouragement are essential to recruiting and retaining players.
Calendar listing: NPC Adult Autumn Gathering 2026, 2026-11-02 to 2026-11-06 at The National Piping Centre. Check the publisher's listing for current arrangements.
Piping Press reports the death of Pipe Major Harry McNulty on 8 September 2026, aged 93. Born in April 1933 and from Leith, Edinburgh, he served as Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police, British Caledonian Airways, and Power of Scotland bands. The item is an obituary.
Calendar listing verified 15 September 2026: the National Piping Centre confirms the 53rd Glenfiddich Piping Championship for 31 October 2026 at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. Follow the organiser link for tickets and the latest arrangements.
Morla Bruce won the 2026 Perthshire junior piping league as the season concluded at Pitlochry Games on 12 September. Bagpipe News has the solo results, including Douglas Murray’s Senior Piobaireachd win and Eddie Gaul’s MSR victory.
pipes|drums published a piece about 42 piping and drumming students from Sydney’s Scots College and their performance in Shanghai.
Bagpipe News reports an online meeting about the BMus Traditional Music (Piping) degree for prospective students considering study in 2027. The meeting will feature John Mulhearn, Head of Piping Studies at the NPC, and Josh Dickson, Head of Traditional Music at the RCS.
Piping Press reports results from Pitlochry on Sept. 12, noting nine call-offs in the piobaireachd. Douglas Murray won the piobaireachd with a rendition of Lord Lovat’s Lament. The report also says early rain and A9 roadworks may have affected turnout.
pipes|drums shares video featuring Finlay Johnston at the 2026 Gillies Memorial Challenge Recital. The programme also featured Callum Beaumont, Alasdair Henderson, Angus D. MacColl and Connor Sinclair.
pipes|drums published an installment in its 2026 Set Tunes Series by Willie Donaldson on the piobaireachd tune The Sister’s Lament. The piece describes it as relatively popular among more seasoned piobaireachd competitors and notes its appearance in multiple manuscripts after publication by Donald MacDonald.
An article reviews the 2026 Clasp competition at the Northern Meeting, attributed to adjudicator Dr Jack Taylor MBE. It says the BBC did not record the event and instead recorded light music. The piece notes that Callum Beaumont gave the winning performance and that friends recorded it for him.
James Laughlin addresses recruitment in the second instalment of his pipe-band leadership series for pipes|drums. The full article requires a subscription.
An opinion/history piece by Jeannie Campbell MBE looks at piping in Dundee during the 19th century, noting that the city is not usually regarded as a major piping centre in that period.
Piping Press reports the passing of Harry McNulty, describing him as an important figure in the pipe band world. The item says he led Lothian & Borders Police and later B Cal./Scottish Power, and also worked with William Sinclair & Co on chanters.
Shawn Tobin of Nepean, Ontario won the pipes|drums Pick the Six prediction contest by correctly forecasting the leading six Grade 1 bands at the Worlds. The publisher announced a prize package for the winner.
The RSPBA says the draw for the World Solo Snare Drumming and Tenor Drumming Championships has been published.
Pipes|Drums reports that Harry McNulty died on September 8, 2026, at age 93. He was described as a highly respected pipe-major who led the Lothian & Borders Police and British Caledonian Airways pipe bands.
A partial recording of Calum Brown’s winning Highland Society of London Gold Medal performance at Inverness is mentioned, featuring Port Urlar and a recording from the taorluath onwards. The piece also notes a video of the ground recorded at the graveside of P/M John Stewart, Aberdeen City Police, who taught Calum and his father Graham.
Bagpipe News reports on solo piping results from the All England Championships at Chatsworth Country Fair, held September 5-6, 2026.
Strathmore Schools Pipe Band is advertising for a part-time Tenor and Bass Drum Instructor. The role is described as half-day work and is aimed at someone passionate and enthusiastic.
The London Recital returns on 2 October 2026 at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate, featuring Callum Beaumont and Ben Duncan. The organiser lists the Pinstripe Highlanders and Piobaireachd Society as hosts, with support from the Highland Society of London. Its retrospective identifies Angus MacColl and Iain Speirs as the 2025 performers.
At the 2026 Raasay Restitution solo piping competition, Rachel Gray won the Pìobaireachd Song event and Gary West won the Dance Music contest. The event moved from Raasay Community Hall to Raasay House Hotel and continued its Hebridean cultural focus.
Bagpipe News published results from the Raasay Restitution Piping Competition 2026. The competition has been sponsored by the Isle of Raasay Distillery since it began three years ago.
The Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games took place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, with solo piping results reported from the event.
Stuart Liddell of Inveraray, Scotland won the Chatsworth Champion Piper trophy at the annual Chatsworth Country Fair, taking three firsts and two seconds across five events.
At the 2026 Braemar Gathering in Braemar, Scotland, Ben McClamrock of Washington, DC won the Piobaireachd Gold Medal, and Zephan Knichel of Lynnwood, Washington won the overall trophy by taking both light-music events.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario celebrates its members’ summer successes, including Sean McKeown’s Gold Medal at Oban and Ian K. MacDonald’s second place in the Former Winners’ MSR.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association has announced its 2025–26 grand aggregate winners, recognising performances across the season in solo piping and pipe-band competition.
Bagpipe.news published an article by Roddy Macleod about the history of ownership of the Macleod family bagpipes. The piece aims to share the story of the pipes and seek additional details from anyone who can help fill in gaps.
The Captain John A MacLellan MBE Memorial Dinner was held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh. Craig Sutherland won the 2026 memorial event. Cameron Drummond was among the competitors.
The Raasay Restitution Competition is scheduled for Saturday, September 5 at the Raasay House Hotel on the Isle of Raasay. The event was designed by Hamish Moore to encourage pipers.
At Birnam Highland Games, Simon Fraser University Pipe Band’s Cameron Bonar was Overall Piper and Zephan Knichel was Runner Up. The report says conditions were overcast but warm throughout. The article is a results piece from last weekend’s games.
The RSPBA says it was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Honorary Life Member Wilson Young on 24 August 2026.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association outlines its 2026–27 season, including the Pacific Rim Adult Solo Snare Drumming Championship and its Jack Lee event.
Pipe Bands Australia issued congratulations to Australian bands and musicians who competed at the World Pipe Band Championships.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association celebrates its member bands and individual players following their performances at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.
The RSPBA says it has confirmed dates and venues for the 2027 Major Championships, including the British Championship on 29 May at Ingliston.
Entries have opened for the 2026 World Solo Snare and Tenor Drumming Championships. The RSPBA’s announcement provides the route to enter.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association says its president, David Hilder, was inducted as an honorary member of the Royal Scottish Pipers Society on August 10, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. The notice says he has given many years of outstanding service.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association has published solo results from the Campbell River Highland Gathering and Salmon Festival, alongside aggregate awards and band tallies.
The 2026 Glengarry Highland Games brought soloists and bands to Maxville for two days of competition. The Ontario society’s round-up covers a busy weekend across the piping and drumming grades.
Pipe Bands Australia has released an ensemble syllabus and an accompanying revised handbook. Its announcement names Rob Bennett as National Principal for Ensemble.
Pipe Bands Australia has announced committee approval for its National Integrity Framework, a collection of association policies. The notice links readers to the policy information.
The Ontario society thanks the volunteers, stewards, judges and competitors who made the Glengarry weekend possible. Its tribute includes visiting judges Barry Donaldson, Paul Turner and Dr Angus MacDonald.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association says applications are now being accepted for the role of Chief Executive Officer.
The Campbell River Highland Gathering was scheduled for 8 August 2026 at Willow Point Park, alongside the Salmon Festival. The programme listed solo piping from 9.30am, a band march past at 11.30am and opening ceremonies at noon.
British Columbia Pipers’ Association says Skerryvore will perform in Victoria on October 6, 2026, and Vancouver on October 7, 2026. The post notes a limited-time member ticket discount code and lists the Victoria show at McPherson Playhouse, starting at 7:30 p.m. and with tickets from $67.00.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association published a tribute to Lew Ross, who was born in Glasgow on June 17, 1939, and died on July 4, 2026. The piece says he made an impact through his career, sport, community service, friendship, and family. It is an obituary-style remembrance rather than a competition or event report.
Results from the 79th Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Gathering are available through the British Columbia Pipers’ Association, covering the weekend’s competitions.
Pipe Bands Australia says it is wishing Australian bands and soloists well as they perform overseas and prepare for upcoming events. The item is a general supportive notice rather than a report of results or a specific competition.
The British Columbia Pipers’ Association reports that the Vancouver Police Pipe Band will perform at the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August. It says this will be another appearance for the band, which has previously performed at the Tattoo in 1980, 1999 and 2016. The item is a short news announcement about the band’s return to the event.
PPBSO judge Drew Duthart shares advice on closed rolls in snare drumming in the society’s Judges Corner series.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario says the Cambridge Scottish Festival Committee notified it that the Cambridge Highland Games have been cancelled for 2026, just nine days before the event. No reason was given. Registered soloists and bands are to be emailed and refunded their entry fees. The PPBSO president said the cancellation is surprising and disappointing given record entries.
The RSPBA says the draw for the World Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships has been published.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario says summer severe weather, including sudden storms and high heat and humidity, requires planning by bands, games organizers and individuals. It recommends hydration, shade tents and securing tents properly. The note refers to a recent incident at a highland games as the reason for the reminder, but gives no further details.
Pipe Bands Australia announced its 2026–27 renewal period, running from 1 July to a 31 July 2026 deadline. Members were notified through renewal invoices.
Piping and drumming were part of the Canada Day celebrations at the 2026 Embro Highland Games, hosted by the Zorra Caledonian Society. The Ontario society looks back on a busy day in exceptionally hot conditions.
Kingsville Highland Games returned to the Ontario competition circuit after a year away. The society’s report covers strong solo entries at the new venue, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association says Chief Executive Officer Colin Mulhern has formally informed the board that he will step down in March 2027.
The Ontario society looks back on the 62nd Northumberland Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Port Hope, with a strong turnout of musicians and spectators.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario posted a Judges Corner entry by Brad Davidson, who holds PPBSO judging accreditation in piobaireachd and solo piping. The piece is an educational tip aimed at helping solo pipers improve as they move into higher grades and senior amateur competition.
RSPBA says the draw for the Scottish Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships has been published.
The 51st Georgetown Highland Games drew crowds to the fairgrounds in hot, sunny weather. The Ontario society reports increased solo entries, particularly in piping.
Pipe Bands Australia says female pipers and drummers from Australia and overseas are invited to join a landmark Melbourne event on 5 July 2026. The parade is described as a centenary celebration honouring pioneers and aiming for a world-record attempt.
The RSPBA said it issued an update to band secretaries about security concerns in Belfast linked to the United Kingdom Championships.
The second Hamilton Highland Gathering brought piping and drumming to downtown Hamilton, opening the Ontario society’s outdoor competition season.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario says the Kingsville Highland Games will be held on 2026-07-27 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. It is described as the only event of its kind in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions and the fourth competition on the PPBSO schedule. The post says the games will include sanctioned competitions in solo piping and solo drumming.
The RSPBA published parking information for the United Kingdom Championships, including a map and listed parking locations such as Elim Church on Alexandra Park Avenue. The notice highlights accessible parking among the options.
The Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Port Hope Agricultural Park will include a full day of piping and drumming on Saturday, June 20. Solo competitions are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies and massed bands at 11:45 a.m. The notice says competitors will come from across Ontario and notes the event has marked Scottish traditions for 62 years.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario says its 2026 summer Highland Games season is about to begin, with the Hamilton Gathering days away and a run of competitions to follow. The society reports increased membership and competition entries this year. It says solo entries at Hamilton are double last year’s total, and Georgetown solo entries are up more than 50% from a strong 2025 season, especially in lower grades.
Pipe Bands Australia says it is undertaking a staged transition to a new membership and administration platform, intended to improve services for members and bands.
The Georgetown Highland Games will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Georgetown Fairgrounds in Halton Hills, Ontario. The event, first established in 1975, is described as the 51st anniversary of the games and as a celebration of Scottish culture, community and tradition featuring pipes and drums.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario says the Hamilton Highland Gathering will include an OPEN Stage presented with YOUR HEALTH Wellness Centre. It invites musicians of all ages and levels to perform Scottish traditional music, including bagpipes, drums and fiddle. Performances are listed as 3 to 5 minutes, with groups of 1 to 3 performers.
Brad Davidson reflects on piobaireachd tuition at a Hamilton workshop held the day after the Livingstone Memorial Invitational Piping Competition.
The Hamilton Highland Gathering opens the Ontario society’s competition season with solo and band contests at the Scottish Rite Club on Queen Street South.
Sean McKeown was the overall winner at the 2026 Livingstone Invitational in Hamilton. The Ontario society has published the results of the competition’s 48th edition.
Jimmy Banks has released the Guards Club Knockout competitors, dates and head-to-heads for the 2026/27 season. Each piper will play a 30-minute set in the series.
Solo piping placings from the Piping Championships at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow are listed, with a full set of named competitors across the events. The results include piobaireachd, March, Strathspey and Reel, and hornpipe and jig contests.
The National Piping Centre and William Grant Foundation are presenting the 53rd Glenfiddich Piping Championship at Blair Castle on 31 October 2026. The event starts from 10:30 a.m. and the published line-up includes ten solo pipers.
The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario has named its 2026 Champion Supreme solo and band winners. The honours cover a wide spread of Ontario games, recitals and competitions.
Bagpipe News looks back at the 2026 Masters through photographs of all 20 MSR competitors. Alasdair Henderson won the piobaireachd and Connor Sinclair the MSR at the National Piping Centre on 9 August.