Kessler Wins Braemar Gold Medal

Braemar, Scotland – September 6, 2003 – For the first time ever, the Braemar Gold Medal for piobaireachd was awarded to a piper from continental Europe, with Germany’s Martin Kessler attaining the prize. Braemar has traditionally been a magnet for non-Scottish competitors, with the games giving a Best Overseas Piper award, which this year was won by Richard Hawke of New Zealand.

Weather was excellent, and about 30 competitors played.

Piobaireachd – Braemar Gold Medal
1st Martin Kessler, Germany
2nd Alexis Meunier, France
3rd Richard Hawke, New Zealand
4th Roddy MacLeod, Glasgow
5th Neill Matheson, Inverness, Scotland
6th Innes Smith, Bridge of Allan, Scotland
Judges: Norman Matheson, Donald MacPherson, Joe Henderson

March
1st Gordon Walker, Kilmarnock, Scotland
2nd Roddy MacLeod
3rd Niall Matheson
4th James MacHattie, Toronto
5th P-M Michael Gray, The Highlanders
6th John Angus Smith, London
Judges: Jack Taylor, Walter Drysdale, John Stewart

Strathspey & Reel
1st Gordon Walker
2nd Niall Matheson
3rd Roddy MacLeod
4th Richard Hawke
5th Roderick Weir
6th P-M Michael Gray
Judges: Jack Taylor, Walter Drysdale, John Stewart

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