Organisers of one of the oldest piping championships in the world say they were overwhelmed by the standard of this year’s competition.
The Northern Meeting, which took place at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, is held in such high regard that experienced pipers consider it an achievement even to be selected to compete.
The Gold Medal and Gold Clasp represent the pipers’ pinnacle and among those vying for the honours were competitors from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK.
About 100 people took part in the various events, which included the classic pibroch, march, strathspey and reel and hornpipes and jigs.
Piping convener Alan Forbes said: “The standard seems to get better every year, and we have had one or two really outstanding performances, including the Gold Medal winner Douglas Murray.
“Niall Stewart, who won the March, Strathspey and Reel, also played some unusual tunes which were a real breath of fresh air, which made the competition even more enjoyable.
“He was a winner because of his wonderful technique, beautiful bagpipe playing and he returned to watch some of the junior contestants, who he teaches, in Saturday’s competitions.”
The main winners of this year’s competition were: Clasp – Iain Speirs, Edinburgh; Gold Medal – Douglas Murray, Cupar; Silver Medal – Angus MacColl, Oban; Hornpipe and Jig – Alasdair Henderson, Glasgow, all in the senior events.
The junior winners were: Under-18 champion – Brighde Chaimbeul, Skye; Under-15 champion – Harry McLachlan, Aberfeldy; Dress and Deportment – Holly Fredlander, Edinburgh, and Robbie MacIsaac, Falkirk.
Other adult winners included Stuart Liddell of Inverary, who lifted the Northern Meeting Quiach.