Gary makes a return visit to the bagpipe factory of RG Hardie, and brings you plenty more great music along the way, with a wee trick or treat thrown in for good measure. Playlist Daimh with Ronald MacKenzie of Milton and Mabou, Stormy Hill and Maili Ceit’s Jig from Tuneship Vale of Atholl Pipe Band with Il Paco Grande from Live in Well Callum Beau…

Gary brings you more great bagpipe tunes from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Galicia. Playlist Lorne MacDougall with Trip to Aviles, Atlantic Bridge, The Sound of Sleat and Atlantic Bridge from Hello World Jack Lee with Tom Wilson, the 24th Guards Brigade at Anzio, The Homewrecker, The Brolum and the High Road to Linton from the Piping Centre Recita…

Gary brings you more fine music of the bagpipe kind from his extensive collection. Playlist Chris Gray with LA’s Welcome to Thwale from Chris Gray Roddy MacLeod with Willie Gray’s Farewell to the Glasgow Police and Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban from the World’s Greatest Pipers Vol 6 James Duncan MacKenzie with Theid Mi Dhachaidh, recorded at Th…

More pipe music from a the airts as Gary delves into his collection once more for your delectation and delight! Playlist Rory Campbell with Cotton Eyed from Intrepid John Wilson with Traditional Air, Hugh Kennedy and Inveran from The World’s Greatest Pipers Vol 5. Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band feat. Rachel Walker with Fraoch a Ronaigh, Thug Mi G…

Join Gary as he shines a light on those pipers who tend to be labelled 'file under folk'. Playlist Music in the Glen with The Sweetheart Reel, Aisling’s Wedding, Brosnan’s Reel and Mrs Crehan’s from Music in the Glen Kenneth and Angus MacKenzie with Iain MacDonald with Bodach nan Tri Ordagan from Ceol Mhor Ostaig The Battlefield Band with Cearcall …

Gary brings you highlights of the inaugural piping contest on the Island of Raasay, organised by Hamish Moore, sponsored by the Isle of Raasay Distillery, which celebrates the Gaelic cultural roots of piping. Playlist Field Marshall Montgomery with their Medley from the World Pipe Band Championships 1992 Decker Forrest with Tog Orm mo Phìob is Thèi…

Gary reports on recent events in Braemar, Raasay and Brittany and brings you great music from Highland, Uillean and Northumbrian pipes. And look out for some congregational Psalm singing too! Playlist The Angus Nicholson Trio with the Primrose Lass from Sealladh Ard P/M Ian Duncan with the Braemar Gathering, John D Burgess and Miss Lily Christie fr…

Gary brings you more top drawer music from the world of piping and drumming, and pays tribute to two stalwarts of our community who sadly passed away recently, P/M Malcolm MacKenzie and former Solo Drumming World Champion, Joe Noble. Playlist Trail West with Wait Til I Tell Ucca from Countless Isles and Endless Miles Niall Matheson with Asian Tears…

Gary brings you all four performances from this year's Captain John A MacLellan MBE Piobaireachd Recital held in Edinburgh on 24th August. With tunes from Callum Beaumont, Iain Speirs, Stuart Liddell MBE and Ian K MacDonald. Playlist Callum Beaumont with The Phantom Piper of Corrieyairack Ian Speirs with Farewell to the Queen's Ferry Stuart Liddell…

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships from Glasgow Green. Support the showGary West

Join Gary as he brings you this year's live EYP show from the Street Cafe at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, with sets from Cameron Bonar, Hazel Whyte, Austin Diepenhorst and Swedish mulit-instrumentalists, Dråm. Playlist to follow! Support the showGary West

Gary chats to Florida-based Eric Stein about his plans to develop a pan-European solo piping contest, and looks ahead to this year's Piping Live festival which takes place in Glasgow next week. Playlist Fred Morrison Trio with the Train Journey North from Live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Seudan with the Tulloch Gorm Set from Seudan Alen Tully…

Gary brings you more delights of the bagpipe kind with the top performances from the inaugural Gordon Duncan Memorial Kitchen Piping Contest from Washington State, and also pays tribute to 'The Captain' - Ken Eller from Ontario, who passed away recently. Playlist Ross Miller with D Major MacKenzie, Rona’s Reel and Mornington from The Roke Inveraray…

Gary reports on the piping culture of the USA from his Boston hotel room! Playlist Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald with Oh as I was Kissed Yestreen, The Black-haired lad, Sweet Molly and The Primrose Lass from A Day at the Lake Adrian Melvin with Hills of Kintail, Donnie MacGregor, The Kitchenmaid and Donella Beaton from Unplugged Mike Cusack with M…

Gary brings you top drawer pipe music from Scotland, Ireland and the USA. Playlist Iain MacInnes with Lt Col DJS Murray, The Treadmill and Spark’s Rant from Sealbh John D Burgess with Lord Alexander Kennedy, Tulloch Gorm and Mrs MacPherson of Inveran from King of the Highland Pipers Stephanie Makem and Tiarnan o Duinnchinn with Lough Erne Shore fro…

There might not be much sign of summer yet here in Scotland but we carry on regardless with another eclectic mix of all things bagpipe. Playlist Cantrip with Ian Green of Greentrax, Whistle O’er the Lave o It, The Ramnee Ceilidh and the Hare of the Dog from Boneshaker Bruce Gandy with the Abercairney Highlanders, Arniston Castle and John Morrison o…

Gary introduces highlights from a recent top solo contest in Delaware, USA, and catches up with news from sponsors, RG Hardie Bagpipes. Playlist Breabach with The Old Collection from Fas Cameron Macdougall with The Ross-shire Volunteers, Tulloch Gorm, and Loch Carron from The United States Piping Foundation, Maclean Macleod Memorial Piping Champion…

After a week off, Gary returns refreshed and armed with another bumper selection of all things bagpipes. Playlist Xavier Boderiou, Sylvain Barou and Antoine Lahay with Wedding Reels from Liamm. Roddy MacLeod with The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, The Shepherd’s Crook and the Smith of Chilliechassie from Pipers of Distinction: Roderick J MacLeod Ben Dun…

Gary pays tribute to all those involved in D Day exactly 80 years ago, and remembers the wonderful voice of the late Rod Paterson, who died last week. Playlist Mike Katz with The Best Englishman, Chase the Train and Mr MacKinnon of Corry from A Month of Sundays Alasdair Gillies with Mrs John MacColl, Tulloch Castle and Dr MacPhail’s Reel from 25 Ye…

There's plenty of variety this week as Gary dips once more into his extensive collection of piping sounds from around the world. Playlist Old Blind Dogs with Bunker Hill Set from Room With a View Willie Morrison with The Right Honourable Allan J MacEachan, Sandy Thomson of Alva and Ludovic Morrison’s Favourite from Pipers of Distinction Lincoln Hil…

Gary brings you an eclectic mix of top drawer music drawn from his collection of all things bagpipe. Playlist The Iron Horse with The Goatherd, The Major’s Maggot, James MacLellan’s Favourite, Duncan the Gauger and The Piper’s Bonnet from Thro’ Water, Earth and Stone St Lawrence O’Toole Pipe Band with Joe Cooley’s Hornpipe, Joe Cooley’s Jig, The Do…

Gary celebrates the music and legacy of the late Gordon Duncan, who would have been 60 this week. Playlist Gordon Duncan with Galician Jig, Blow My Chanter and the Famous Baravan from The Circular Breath The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience with Pitlochry High School Centenary from Foxie Laddie Scotrail Vale of Atholl. Archie MacKenzie of Dumba…

Join Gary as he takes you on another eclectic piping journey across Scotland and beyond. Playlist Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton with Wan from Symbiosis 1 John Wilson with 93rd Highlanders at Modder River, Maggie Cameron and Major David Manson from The World’s Greatest Pipers Volume 5 Malin Lewis with Hiraeth from Halocline Shotts and Dykehead Caledon…

Gary pays tribute to the late Fergie MacDonald, the Ceilidh King, who passed away recently. There's more sets from this year's Wheel of Fortune competition, and a brand new award-winning pibroch from Regina's Iain MacDonald. Playlist Fergie MacDonald with Highland Jigs from The Ceilidh King Angus Nicholson with Cearcal a Chuain, Duncan Johnstone, H…

Gary invites you to a ringside seat to take in this year's Wheel of Fortune contest held at the Danderhall Miners' Club in Midlothian on the 21st of April 2024. This is one of the most exciting and imaginative competitions in the piping calendar, and produced some wonderful music again this year. And you can hear it exclusively here in EYP! Playlis…

Tracks Played Daimh with Ida’s Jig from Diversions St Lawrence O’Toole Pipe Band with the Donegal Lass set from Turas Ceoil – Resume, Live in Glasgow 2018. Alastair Hanning with the Lament for Glencoe, Highland Harry, Thomson’s Dirk from the City of Wellington Highland Pipe Band. Skiltron with Bagpipes of War from The Highland Way Brian Lamond with…

Gary invites you to travel with him to explore some of the people, places and tunes associated with the Isle of Lewis, including a visit to the home and workshop of piper and reed-maker, James Duncan MacKenzie. Tracks The Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band with The Ness Pipers Set from Impact – Live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Pipe Major Iai…

Gary celebrates the fact that EYP is a year old this week, with another eclectic mix of tunes and styles from the world of bagpipes. Tracks Played Ross Miller with The Candlewood Suites Reel, Restalrig Road and Molly Rankin’s from The Restalrig Reels Stuart Liddell with Gaelic Air and Reels from Inveroran Scottish Power Pipe Band with Michael MacDo…

Gary brings you the winning performances from the B Grade MSR at last weekend's Duncan Johnstone Memorial contest in Glasgow. Tracks Played Ross Connor with Morag Ramsay, Cat Lodge and Little Cascade, EYP Recording Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham with Father John MacMillan of Barra from Five and Twenty Cameron May with the Duke of Roxburgh’s Farewell …

Gary brings you highlights of the 'Accents' concert held at the National Piping Centre on 14th March. Tune in for some wonderful music on highland pipes, smallpipes, border pipes, clarsach, viola, guitar and piano from some of Scotland and Ireland's finest emerging traditional musicians. Thanks to my sponsor, RG Hardie Bagpipes Playlist Sarah Muir …

Gary celebrates the contribution made to Scotland's music by Ian Green of Greentrax Recordings, who passed away this week, and is joined by Ian's friend, pipe maker, musician and promoter, Hamish Moore, who shares his memories of Ian and also tells us all about an exciting new competition he is organising on the island of Raasay. Playlist Gordon Du…

Gary introduces more top drawer music of the bagpipe as he looks ahead to some of the live piping events which can be heard across Scotland in the weeks ahead as we move towards a new season. Tracks Fraser Fifield with The Old Road o Lumphanan from One Great Circle Drums and Pipes and Regimental Band of the Gordon Highlanders with Highland Troop fr…

Gary invites you to join him at the Far North Retreat near Tain in the company of fellow instructors Fin Moore, Mike Vass and Liz Doherty, and a host of other musicians who have gathered there this week for tunes, laughs and craic! Tracks Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton with Mink John D Burgess with the Swallow Tailed Coat set Seudan with Tullochgorm M…

Gary invites you on a tour which takes in the music of Scotland, Ireland, Northumbria, Asturias, Brittany, New Zealand and Cuba. And there's a first chance to hear a brand new bagpipe-infused single from Linlithgow's very own town piper, Ross Miller. The Battlefield Band with The Merry Macs, Dr Iain MacAonghais and Mrs Chisholm’s Delight from Happy…

Gary brings you the full set from the reigning world pipe band champions' performance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as part of Celtic Connections 2024. Tracks Beolach with Berrigan's Folly from All Hands Pipe Major Angus MacDonald with Eileen MacDonald, Traditional Jig and the Glasgow City Police Pipers from Ceol Beag at the Castle People's For…

Gary introduces highlights from the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland's performance on the main stage of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, as part of Celtic Connections 2024. John Dew with the Duncan Johnstone, John MacKenzie, Eastwood Cottage and the High Bridge Walk from The High Bridge Walk Harta with To Dauntin Me, Linkumdoddie and Go to Berwi…

Gary invites you to eavesdrop on a practice by the reigning world pipe band champions, the People's Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia, as they make their final preparations for their Celtic Connections appearance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. With thanks as always to our sponsor, RG Hardie Bagpipes Support the show Tracks John McSherry with …

Gary brings a light touch to Burns' night with a couple of the bard's songs this week, from Robyn Stapleton and our very own Eilidh West. There's a return visit to the bagpipe factory of RG Hardie & Co to catch up on the latest news from there, plus plenty of top drawer piping from bands and soloists alike. Tracks The Bothy Band with Leitrim Fancy,…

It may be the bleak mid winter but there's plenty to warm you up in this week's episode of EYP as we celebrate more top drawer music from the world of the bagpipe. Tracks Played Ross Miller with D Major MacKenzie, Rona’s Reel and Mornington from The Roke Alasdair Gillies with The Inverness Gathering, The Cameron Quickstep (as a march then hornpipe)…

Gary brings you more top drawer music of the bagpipes from a the airts, with visits to Shetland, Dumfriesshire, Frankfurt, USA, Canada and Galicia. Tracks Chris Stout and Finlay MacDonald Band with Borve Castle from The Cauld Wind Angus MacColl with Sine Bhan, Traditional Reels from The Lord Todd Piping Recital Challenge Iain MacInnes with How She’…

Gary celebrates the beginning of a new year of piping with a look ahead to this year's Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow which runs from 18th January - 4th February. Playlist The Friel Sisters with Helvic Head / Buried My Wife and Danced on Top of Her / Frahers from The Friel Sisters Stuart Liddell with Troy’s Wedding and the Viennese Waltz fr…

Gary takes a look back at the story so far here on EYP as he revisits some of the highlights of the piping year as it draws to a close. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Guid New Year! Tune in for plenty more music in 2024! Tracks Rura with A Minor Emergency from Dusk Moon. Seonaidh MacIntyre and Ewen Henderson with Finn’s Tune, Bàgh Dub…

Join Gary for more high end music from the world of bagpipes, featuring tunes from Dysart and Dundonald and Alberta Caledonia Pipe Bands, from Andrew Carlisle, the Peatbog Faeries and a project featuring the music of the far north of Scotland entitled Urachadh. There's a double helping from a brand new album, Epic New Dawn, featuring a fabulous com…

Gary is on his travels again, and brings you great music and chat from one of his 'homes from home', the Celtic Arts Foundation in Mount Vernon, in the Pacific North West of the USA. There's live sets from piping supremo, Zephan Knichel, and from the superb fiddle and piano duo of Cayley Schmid and Aaron Guest, as well as gorgeous Gaelic songs from…

Join Gary for more top class music from the world of bagpipes, with tunes from Davy Spillane, Simon McKerrell, Bonnie Rideout & Allan MacDonald, Dr Angus MacDonald, Beolach, the Battlefield Band, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia and a listener's corner spot from Jock Roarty. Tracks Beolach with Annie’s New Heart from All Hands Peoples Ford Boghall & …

Join Gary as he brings you more great music from that family of instruments we call the bagpipe. At the more traditional end of things, there’s classic tunes from Murray Henderson and we take in the first world championship win from the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band in 1992. Listen out too for a modern twist from Malin Lewis and from Sketch w…

Join Gary as he brings you more great music from bagpipes great and small! There's a double helping from the Northumbrian tradition, a flavour of the Himalayas, up tempo tunes from the wider trad scene, a song from Scottish folk royalty, and a short tribute to Dundee piping great, Harry Ellis, who sadly passed away this week. Tracks James Harper wi…

Gary brings you more high quality music of the bagpipe kind, with tunes from Rura, The Finlay MacDonald Band, Iain MacFadyen, Fred Morrison and Canadian band, Iron Brew. There's a gorgeous version of the pibroch, Desperate Battle of the Birds on pipes and piano, courtesy of Roddy MacLeod and Craig Muirhead, a taster of a brand new piece for pipes a…

Following on from last week's Halloween shenanigans things are a bit more chilled in this episode - although maybe not quite as chilled as the title might suggest! There's fine music from Daimh, Cantrip, Angus and Kenneth MacKenzie, P/M Angus MacDonald, Matt MacIsaac and the Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band, while Eilidh West, usually to be heard int…

Join Gary for a Halloween special, and hear about some of the deep rooted traditions associated with the festival and what lies behind them. And of course there is plenty of appropriate pipe music to lighten the mood, with sets from Lincoln Hilton, Steve Byrne, The Victoria Police Pipe Band, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, John MacLean, Troy…