Watt, Smith Shine Around Hebridean Games

The latter part of July brings well-established Highland games and competitions in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

South Uist
July 23, 2003

Weather conditions were challenging, with rain pouring horizontally and gale force winds forcing judges to assess events from inside a van next to the piping platform. John Angus Smith of London enjoyed solid success.

Piobaireachd
1st John Angus Smith, London, “Battle of the Pass of Crieff”
2nd Jenny Hazzard, Edinburgh
3rd Robert Watt, Northern Ireland
4th James MacPhee, Glasgow
5th Duncan Grant
Judges: James Young, Walter Drysdale

March
1st John Angus Smith
Judges: James Young, Walter Drysdale

Strathspey & Reel
1st Robert Watt
Judges: James Young, Walter Drysdale

Jig
1st Donald MacLeod, Edinburgh
Judge: Neill Mulvie

Benbecula – Young Piper of the Year
July 24, 2003

The annual Young Piper of the Year competitions were, according to one competitor, “expertly held in excellent facilities, with prize money to match.” Robert Watt of Northern Ireland had, for any significant piping event, a rare sweep of all contests.

Piobaireachd
1st Robert Watt, “Battle of Auldearn”
2nd Jenny Hazzard, Edinburgh
3rd James MacPhee, Glasgow
4th Ryan McFarland, Omagh, Northern Ireland

March
1st Robert Watt
2nd Donald MacLeod, Edinburgh
3rd James MacPhee
4th B McKenzie, Ross-shire

Strathspey & Reel
1st Robert Watt
2nd James MacPhee
3rd Jenny Hazzard
4th Donald MacLeod

Hornpipe & Jig
1st Robert Watt
2nd Donald MacLeod
3rd Colin Gordon, Inverness
4th Darach Urquhuart, Kyle

Judges for all events: James Young and Walter Drysdale.

North Uist
July 25, 2003

The venerable North Uist Games were held under lovely, sunny conditions, right on the edge of the sea. A large and knowledgable audience attended and, according to one competitor, “actually came to hear the piping.”

Piobaireachd
1st John Angus Smith, London, “Lament for Ronald MacDonald of Morar”
2nd Jenny Hazzard, Edinburgh
3rd Duncan Grant
4th James MacPhee

March
1st Robert Watt, Northern Ireland
2nd John Angus Smith
3rd James MacPhee
4th Jenny Hazzard

Strathspey & Reel
1st Robert Watt
2nd B. McKenzie
3rd John Angus Smith
4th James MacPhee

Jig
1st Robert Watt
2nd Colin Gordon
3rd Jenny Hazzard
4th Ryan McFarland, Omagh, Northern Ireland

Judges for all events: Iain Morrison, Eddie Clark.

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