In competitive solo bagpiping, a Gold Medal is awarded at the
Northern Meeting
The Northern Meeting is a gathering held in Inverness, Scotland, best known for its solo bagpiping competition in September.
History
The Northern Meeting was set up in 1798 "for the purpose of promoting a Social Intercourse", and early editions f ...
and
Argyllshire Gathering
The Argyllshire Gathering is a Highland games held in Oban, Scotland.
History
A meeting on 23 August 1871 held at the Argyll Arms Hotel led to a resolution to have an "Annual Gathering of the Gentry of the County of Argyll for social purposes" ...
for
pibroch
Pibroch, or is an art music genre associated primarily with the Scottish Highlands that is characterised by extended compositions with a melodic theme and elaborate formal variations. Strictly meaning "piping" in Scottish Gaelic, has for some f ...
playing. The prize is one of the most prestigious awards a solo player can receive, and by winning it a player qualifies for a number of restricted competitions.
History
The
Highland Society of London The Highland Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales, with "the view of establishing and supporting schools in the Highlands and in the Northern parts of Great Britain, for relieving distressed Highlanders at a distance from ...
donated both of the prizes, which are awarded annually.
Eligibility
The Gold Medal at each event can only be won once, and winning it qualifies the holder for a range of other events.
In order to compete for the Gold Medal, a player must qualify.
History of winners
Eight players in history have won both of the Gold Medals in the same year.
In 1950
John D. Burgess became the youngest ever winner of the Gold Medals for
piobaireachd
Pibroch, or is an art music genre associated primarily with the Scottish Highlands that is characterised by extended compositions with a melodic theme and elaborate formal variations. Strictly meaning "piping" in Scottish Gaelic, has for some f ...
at both the
Argyllshire Gathering
The Argyllshire Gathering is a Highland games held in Oban, Scotland.
History
A meeting on 23 August 1871 held at the Argyll Arms Hotel led to a resolution to have an "Annual Gathering of the Gentry of the County of Argyll for social purposes" ...
in Oban and the
Northern Meeting
The Northern Meeting is a gathering held in Inverness, Scotland, best known for its solo bagpiping competition in September.
History
The Northern Meeting was set up in 1798 "for the purpose of promoting a Social Intercourse", and early editions f ...
in Inverness, at the age of 16.
Argyllshire Gathering
In 2010,
Faye Henderson
Faye Henderson is a bagpipe player from Scotland. In 2010, she became one of the youngest ever winners of a Highland Society of London Gold Medal (piping), Gold Medal, as well as the first ever female winner.
Life
Henderson was born in Kirriemuir ...
won the
Highland Society of London The Highland Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales, with "the view of establishing and supporting schools in the Highlands and in the Northern parts of Great Britain, for relieving distressed Highlanders at a distance from ...
Gold Medal at the
Argyllshire Gathering
The Argyllshire Gathering is a Highland games held in Oban, Scotland.
History
A meeting on 23 August 1871 held at the Argyll Arms Hotel led to a resolution to have an "Annual Gathering of the Gentry of the County of Argyll for social purposes" ...
in
Oban
Oban ( ; ' in Scottish Gaelic meaning ''The Little Bay'') is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William. During the tourist season, th ...
, becoming the first woman to win the award either in Oban or at the
Northern Meeting
The Northern Meeting is a gathering held in Inverness, Scotland, best known for its solo bagpiping competition in September.
History
The Northern Meeting was set up in 1798 "for the purpose of promoting a Social Intercourse", and early editions f ...
in
Inverness
Inverness (; from the gd, Inbhir Nis , meaning "Mouth of the River Ness"; sco, Innerness) is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for The Highland Council and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands. Histori ...
. Aged 18, she also became one of the youngest ever winners of a Gold Medal, playing "Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay".
Northern Meeting
References
{{reflist
Bagpiping
Scottish awards