Silver Chanter handed over to Skye Piping Society

After almost 30 years of being run by the John MacFadyen Memorial Trust, the Silver Chanter Invitational Piping Competition will be organized by the Isle of Skye Piping Society.

Started in 1967 by Seumas MacNeilland John MacFadyen, the event quickly rose to become one of the premier piobaireachd competitions in the world. A black-tie and Prince Charlie jacket affair, the contest is held at Dunvegan Castle.

The Silver Chanter, like the Dunvegan Medal that is held around the same time as part of the Skye Gathering at Portree, showcases piobaireachd attributed to or closely connected with the legendary MacCrimmon family of composers who resided on the island.

In a release, the Skye Piping Society said that it “will work in close cooperation with the sponsors William Grant & Sons to ensure that it continues as a piping event of international stature.”

“It is a great honour for the society to be involved with such an important event in the piping calendar,” said Allan Beaton, president of the Skye Piping Society. “We acknowledge the crucial role of the previous organisers in nurturing and developing the Silver Chanter and now our challenge is to build on their efforts to ensure that it continues to be one of the world’s foremost piobaireachd competitions.”

Last year’s Silver Chanter competitors (pictured right) were Simon McKerrell, Euan MacCrimmon, Angus MacColl, Roddy MacLeod, Richard Hawke and Jack Lee. MacLeod is the current holder of the award.

The 2008 Silver Chanter will be held on August 6th. Invited competitors will be announced in the spring.

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