posted 2nd September 2023
Stuart Liddell MBE of Inveraray wins the Alasdair Gillies Recital - Challenge, which is considered solo piping's most technically and creatively challenging event.
Each piper was tasked with performing for not more than 25 minutes. They could play whatever they wanted on the Highland pipes but had to include at least one traditional MSR and one ground of a Piobaireachd. Stuart's incredible virtuoso dexterity hit new heights this year, earning him the title.
The contest has always been judged by unidentified pipers in the audience, who confer at the end of the event to agree on the winner, and the same held true this year.
As with previous years, the competition was sponsored by McCallum Bagpipes.