Archive
In an effort to expedite Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association accreditation for non-UK pipers and drummers who are on the judging panels of the world’s recognized associations but still actively competing, the RSPBA has created an “Overseas Attached Adjudicator” category. Accepted applicants for the program will have to complete the […]
He was a leader who set an example. Much could be learned in 1993 from simply watching him work and listening carefully to his words, and much can still be learned today and in years to come from our interview.
Following a failed two-year search for a suitable leading-drummer, the Grade 1 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) have decided not to compete in 2026, unless “something miraculous” happens in the next few weeks. One of only three Grade 1 bands in Canada, the Nova Scotia-based group is likely on competition hiatus […]
We revisit our exclusive conversation conducted with the legendary piper and pipe-major in his first year after retiring from competition.
The accomplished Scottish-American piper Iain Macey passed away at the age of 70 on December 22, 2025, following an illness.
We mourn the pipers, drummers and enthusiasts who sadly left us in 2025, leaders of and contributors to the art and the piping and drumming community who passed away last year.
It took a community to help pipes|drums deliver more than 400 articles to you in 2025, with no fewer than 135 supporters who willingly provided their insights throughout the year. The publication is what it is because of so many from around the world who are willing to share their […]
The name “Peter R. MacLeod” might not be among the first to come to mind when thinking of the greatest composers of Highland pipe music, but Connor Jardine, Cameron May, and Dan Nevans are out to change that. The three Scotland-based pipers are putting together the inaugural Peter MacLeod Memorial […]
Warm temperatures with intermittent rain covered the 153rd annual Waipu Highland Games in the tranquil beachside settlement at the northern end of New Zealand’s North Island, where Piers Dover of Christchurch won the aggregate in the A-Grade solo piping.
The pipes|drums New Year’s Honours celebrate 25 years in 2025, and this year was perhaps the most bountiful yet for the depth of nominees in eight award categories. The piping and drumming world continues to build and progress. The standard of performance again reached new highs; the large number of […]
The Kirkwall City Pipe Band of Orkney is celebrating the success of two of their finest members, after Raymond “Raymie” Peace and Andrew “Andy” Cant were each awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for their services to piping, culture and the Orkney community. “I am absolutely delighted and very proud […]
We’re always fascinated by what piques readers’ interest, and factors such as the date and time can affect statistics. Thanks mainly to pipes|drums sources providing tips and insights, and breaking the news is a clear benefit.
The final piping competition of the year is traditionally New Zealand’s more casual Northcote Invitational. This year, Piers Dover and Liam Kernaghan gained the first prizes, winning the double MSR and the Medley events, respectively, with Kernaghan the overall winner on Medley preference.
These are the stories that shine a light on topics and opinions, which aren’t “News,” per se, although sometimes simply bringing the issues to light can be considered newsworthy.
It’s a great time to take a look at the most-read articles of the year. We exclude the subscribers-only pieces, and, along with articles categorized as News and Features, we’ve decided this year to break out the Results reports as our first Top 10 list.
In 2025, we covered the triumphs, the challenges, the debates, and the breakthroughs that helped shape this art. Through your readership and viewership, your insights, and your passion, you’ve helped keep the conversation thoughtful, vibrant, and forward-looking. We hope your holidays are filled with good company and good cheer.