News
October 7, 2026

A double double-down on Worlds broadcast: BBC – “We have had no discussions with the RSPBA.” RSPBA – “[BBC] coverage of Worlds was axed”

BBC Scotland has doubled down on its claim that it still hasn’t decided whether to livestream the 2027 World Pipe Band Championships, while the RSPBA has also reiterated that the BBC has axed the program due to budget cuts. After an ambiguous article in The Times and social media chatter
Features
October 6, 2026
Calum Brown & Sean McKeown: humility, inspiration and words of wisdom from the 2026 Gold Medallists – Part 1
News
October 5, 2026
SPBA ushers in Saskatchewan off-season with online fall workshops, open to all
Results
October 4, 2026
Willie McCallum wins 2026 Capt. John A. MacLellan MBE Memorial; Piob goes to Johnston; Muir wins MSR
Results
October 4, 2026
Nicholas Weston: 2026 New Zealand Young Piper of the Year
News
October 3, 2026
Northern Ireland Piper of the Year returns to Ballymena for 2026 competition
News
October 2, 2026
Worlds livestream not cancelled, according to BBC Scotland
Features
October 2, 2026
Ulster reaches the ultimate: a conversation with Ulster Scottish P-M Eric Ouellette and Lead-Drummer Derek Cooper
News
October 1, 2026
Glenfiddich 10 confirmed for Oct. 31 at Blair Castle
More stories
News
September 30, 2026

End of an era as renowned pipe bag maker James Begg retires after 46 years

Jimmy Begg, whose handmade sheepskin pipe bags have been played by generations of the world’s leading solo pipers...
News
September 30, 2026

Ian K. MacDonald leaves 78th Fraser Highlanders to return to Toronto Police

Double Gold Medallist Ian K. MacDonald has left the Grade 1 78th Fraser Highlanders to rejoin the Grade 2 Toronto...
News
September 29, 2026

Upgrades of Ulster Scottish, Royal Burgh of Annan bring world’s active Grade 1 bands to 19

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has officially elevated Scotland’s Royal Burgh of Annan and the...
Features
September 28, 2026

Performances: the 2026 Glengarry Cup MSR prizewinners

pipes|drums is pleased to present followers with performances by the five prize winners in the March, Strathspey &...
Exclusively for pipes|drums subscribers
From the archives
Results
January 12, 2024
Winter Storm: Carlisle takes overall top piping prize; Bonar wins his first two Pro contests; Brown on top in snare drumming
The weather outside was frightful, but the solo piping and drumming inside at the annual Winter Storm competitions was...
This day in history
October 7, NULL
Donald S. Ramsay appointed P/M of Edinburgh City Police, 1949. Alex Duthart born, 1925.
OUR MOST RECENT VIDEOS

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Andrew Donlon - MSR - 2026 Glengarry Cup

Upcoming events
St. Mark Presbyterian Church, Rockville, Maryland | October 10, 2026

Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Piping Competition

Ballymena, Northern Ireland | October 10, 2026
Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Solo Piping Competition
Glasgow Caledonia University | October 17, 2026
World Solo Snare Drumming & International Juvenile Solo Tenor Competitions
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland | October 31, 2026
Glenfiddich Solo Piping Championship
The Internet | November 6, 2026
CLASP Live Online November Solo Piping Competition
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POLL

How much does it matter to you that someone judging you or your band is accredited with an association?

  • Essential. I won't be judged by unaccredited people.
  • Important. But I'd probably still play.
  • Not too important. Accreditation doesn't mean much.
  • Unimportant. The only thing that matters is their history of competition success.
  • I don't compete, solo or band
You've already voted today.
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