In light of the Covid-19 situation, the Gold and Silver Medal and light music piping competitions will not take place this year, nor will there be Senior Piobaireachd or Former Winners’ MSR contests. All events had been due to take place in Oban on August 26 & 27. The only competition which will go ahead is the online MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd for young professional pipers.
As Argyllshire Gathering Piping Steward Torquil Telfer explained "We have waited until the last possible moment before cancelling our traditional competitions".
"We do so with great reluctance and make no apology for holding back until all alternatives had been explored. We have listened to pipers who felt that the absence of overseas visitors could have diluted the importance of the competitions had we gone ahead using a different format than that used historically at the Gathering."
"Ultimately we did not want to lessen the credibility of our world class events. By running the MacGregor I trust the piping world will see that we have been determined to do what we can for the aspiring professional piper."
Despite the cancellation, Torquil spoke of the Gathering’s determination to do something for piping during a fallow year "Our thoughts are also turning to an invitational event for the senior players. It is all about doing something for piping in what has been a very trying summer."
The possibility is being examined of holding invitational competitions for those eligible for their senior events, with invitations limited to roughly ten players. The venue may be the Argyllshire Gathering Hall, and it could be a live contest in front of judges. Dates being considered are late September or early October. Details will be made available on the website when they become available.
