Lochaber hosts world class piping event

LOCHABER will once again be hosting a world class event on Saturday,July 28 2012,when Cruinneachadh Lochabair (Lochaber Gathering Festival of Piping)  takes place at the Nevis Centre.
As a premier event on the piping calendar,it will feature some of the world’s finest pipers competing to win some of  piping’s finest awards.
They include players from as far afield as Canada and Australia. A full programme of junior and senior events will run from 9am until early evening.

As an organisation the event will seek to strengthen the link between Gaelic, the true language of the area,and the Great Highland Bagpipe.  In keeping with this theme double Mod Gold Medallist Margaret Ford will be singing in Gaelic.  In addition,through translation,displays and introductions in Gaelic,the natural connection will be further highlighted.

In keeping with the Gaelic theme,this year’s lecture subject is that of a Lewis Gael of legendary fame,Pipe Major Donald MacLeod,MBE. He is  acknowledged as one of the most talented figures to enter the lofty echelons of the Master Piper.Not only is he ranked among our greatest players,but also as a composing genius. Robert Wallace,Pricipal of the College of Piping,will be doing the presentation,assisted by Pipe Major Gordon Walker. Piping Historian Jeannie Campbell will be providing artefacts and relevant information on this piping virtuoso.For more news from the West Highlands see The Oban Times every Thursday –also available on line at www.obantimes.co.uk/digital