Henderson wins first John MacLellan Medal (scores included)

Edinburgh – October 15, 2011 – Murray Henderson of Kirriemuir, Scotland, was the winner of the first Captain John MacLellan Medal Piobaireachd Competition Recital held at the Royal Scots Club on Abercromby Street.

Henderson was given MacLellan’s “Edinburgh Piobaireachd” to play, and adjudicator Gavin Stoddart awarded him the custom designed and cast medal, ahead of the three other invited pipers: Roddy MacLeod, Glasgow, “Salute to the Great Pipe“; Iain Speirs, Edinburgh, “A Lullaby for Iain“; and Angus MacColl, Benderloch, Scotland,  “Farewell to the Queen’s Ferry.”

The black tie ticketed event was at capacity with 100 enjoying a drinks reception beforehand, then a three-course dinner at 7 pm, followed by the start of the recital/competition at 9:15.

Each piper was provided with an appearance fee for their preparation work before and performance at the event. The competition showcased original piobaireachd compositions by the late Captain John A. MacLellan MBE, one of piping history’s greatest competitors and contributors.

One attendee said that he thought the event was “the best piping event ever held, including the Glenfiddich. Certainly was the classiest.”

Those in attendance were provided with the original scores of the tunes performed, which are also included here in the links above.

The event was orgnaized by the John MacLellan Memorial Trust and was professionally recorded for archival puposes and possible future release.