Four of the world’s very best purveyors of light music and piobaireachd put their entertainment and competitive skills to the test at the annual Lord Todd Invitational Solo Piping Recital-Challenge at the University of Strathclyde. Ultimately, Angus MacColl of Benderloch, Scotland, was considered the best of a great lot by a selection of unidentified judges scattered through the audience of more than 500.
With so much attention placed on Grade 1 at the World Pipe Band Championships, it’s a shame that other events are often all but ignored. Grade 2 at the 2010 World’s was one of the hardest-fought in recent memory, with 39 bands across two heats competing for 12 spots in the Medley Final. We would have loved to listen to the Grade 1 Medley Final, too, but pipes|drums decided that, since the BBC would be covering it amply, we would bring our readers/viewers the entirety of the Grade 2 Final, showcasing selections often every bit as creative as those heard in the top grade and, indeed, several performance not being out of place in Grade 1. We hope that you enjoy these 12 performances, in order . . .