News
June 19, 2026

30th anniversary Skagit Valley Games increases prize pool to US$34,000, plans big music shows

The Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Mount Vernon, Washington, with the help of the late Celtic music mover-and-shaker Skye Richendrfer, and to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary this year, the total prize pool for pipe bands, solo pipers and drummers will be close to US$35,000. Not only that,
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Features
June 12, 2026

A solution to the problem of teachers judging pupils

We received the following plan from Colin MacLellan, a frequent contributor to pipes|drums and a famous competitor,...
Subscribers
June 11, 2026

John Elliott: the pipes|drums Interview – Part 5

In this final installment, John Elliott discusses changes he’s experienced while judging pipe bands, the...
Features
June 10, 2026

The Medley Playbook: Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia

We introduce an exclusive series of conversations with the musical leaders of the world's top Grade 1 bands discussing...
Results
June 8, 2026

Knichel, Cruz, Edetsberger, Keith Highlanders win top trophies at resurrected Portland Games

The Portland Highland Games returned after a year's hiatus with a new date and venue at the Washington County...
From the archives
Results
March 31, 2003
Bevan Wins BC Piping Knockout
Tessier takes drumming contest
This day in history
June 19, 1949
Inveran Hotel burns at Invershin; Mrs. MacPherson unhurt.
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Upcoming events
Port Hope, Ontario | June 20, 2026

Northumberland Highland Games

Ayr | June 20, 2026
Lochore, Scotland | June 20, 2026
Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, Scotland | June 21, 2026
Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village, 6155 Arner Town Line, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5 | June 27, 2026
POLL

How much does it matter to you that someone judging you or your band is accredited with an association?

  • Essential. I won't be judged by unaccredited people.
  • Important. But I'd probably still play.
  • Not too important. Accreditation doesn't mean much.
  • Unimportant. The only thing that matters is their history of competition success.
  • I don't compete, solo or band
You've already voted today.

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