Scottish Piping Society of London

Last updated
The Scottish Piping Society of London
Scottish Piping Society of London Logo.jpg
Official logo
Formation1932
Legal statusActive
PurposePromoting bagpiping heritage.
Location
Official language
English
President
Michael Fitzhenry
Vice President
Fraser Stewart
Treasurer
Andrew Hall
Secretary
Alison Gilmour
Website Scottish Piping Society of London Official Website

The Scottish Piping Society of London is a Society of bagpipers, formed in 1932. [1] [2] The Society aims to support and promote the heritage of Scottish Highland bagpiping.

Since 1932 the Society has held an annual competition, with the original event consisting of the ceol mor (piobaireachd), and ceol beag, as well as two dancing events. [3] Previous annual competitions have been held at venues including Kensington Town Hall, Glazier's Hall and Hampton Court. [4] The current home of the annual competition is The Caledonian Club in Belgravia (London). The historic competition is a prestigious annual event in the solo piping calendar, attracting the top solo bagpipers from across the world to competition each November. The highest honour is the Bratach Gorm event, which is only available to those who have won the Highland Society of London's Gold Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering (Oban) or the Northern Meeting (Inverness) or former winners of the Gillies Cup. [3] [5] [6] The last competitor to win the Bratach Gorm (2019) was Callum Beaumont. [7]

As well as the annual competition, the Society runs member competitions, recitals and a 'Strictly Come Piping' social event each December. Additionally, the Society runs the piping events at the Harpenden Highland Games each September.

The society has over 200 members. [8] Iverach McDonald was amongst its notable alumni. [9]

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References

  1. ↑ Nicol, Angus (December 28, 1992). "Little to lament as the Scots come to London". The Times. London.
  2. ↑ Watts, Peter (June 27, 2007). "The Big Smoke - Scottish London - Great Scot!; With a new PM installed at Number 10, what better tie to celebrate granite-faced Gordon's home country in the capital. Peter Watts tours Sassenach-free London. Illustration Martin Rowson". Time Out. p. 32.
  3. 1 2 Nicol, Angus (February 6, 2006). "London piping society prizes". The Times. London. p. 54.
  4. ↑ Nicol, Angus (December 29, 2004). "Scottish Piping Society of London returns to Glazier's Hall in fine form". The Times. London. p. 44.
  5. ↑ Nicol, Angus (November 18, 2002). "London pipers herald Celtic new year". The Times. London. p. 11.
  6. ↑ Nicol, Angus (November 17, 1997). "Good tunes despite slight drone troubles". The Times. London.
  7. ↑ "Piping PressReview: The Bratach Gorm 2019". Piping Press. 2019-11-05. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
  8. ↑ Shewan, Raymond (August 10, 2005). "Moray high note for London pipers". Aberdeen Press and Journal. p. 3.
  9. ↑ "Iverach McDonald". The Times. December 18, 2006. p. 42.
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