Kiwi Pipers Shine on the Global Stage in Scotland

The summer of 2024 was a season of remarkable achievements for New Zealand’s talented pipers, as they competed on the international stage in Scotland. Representing Aotearoa across all levels—from Highland Games to prestigious events such as the Northern Meetings and the Argyllshire Gathering—our pipers demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, solidifying New Zealand’s reputation as one of the highest achieving countries in the global piping community.

 

This year's competitions saw outstanding results from both young and experienced Kiwi pipers, with many excelling in some of the world’s most prestigious events. Not only did they perform at an incredibly high level, but they also showcased the strength of New Zealand’s piping tradition and the calibre of tuition available here at home.

 

An amazing achievement for New Zealand piping was Willie Rowe's third placing in the Gold Medal at Inverness - the most prestigous piobaireachd competition globally.

 

Another standout moment for the New Zealand contingent came with Liam Kernaghan's victory in the Bronze Medal competition. The Bronze Medal is a major milestone for any piper and guarantees a highly coveted place in the Silver Medal. Liam's 1st place finish at this event is a testament to New Zealands ongoing high performance in competitions in Scotland. 

 

Another major highlight was Brendon Eade’s 1st place win in the MacCrimmon Trophy at Lorient, where he was joined on the podium by Liam Kernaghan, who secured 2nd place in the same event. Eade's 2nd place in the Piobaireachd category at Lorient further underscored the high level of competition from New Zealanders on the international stage.

 

Greg Wilson came through a massive field of pipers to win the Jig at the Argyllshire gathering.  This event regularly sees over 70 pipers compete - all of which have to win many competitions to compete at this level.

 

One of the most exciting aspects of this summer’s competitions was the success of our younger pipers, particularly the under-18 competitors. Maggie McConnochie, Seumas Eade and Lucas Paterson consistently delivered strong performances across multiple events, proving that the future of New Zealand piping is incredibly bright. Their victories at St Andrews, North Uist, Glen Isla, Glenfinnan, and Lonach were particularly impressive and show that Kiwi pipers can compete with the best of their peers internationally.

 

At only 21 years old, Campbell Wilson also continues to make his mark in the senior competitions. His 1st place win in the Senior Open Jigs at St. Andrew’s was a fantastic achievement, and he earned additional top-three finishes in various Highland Games throughout the season.

 

These international results not only highlight the quality of New Zealand’s piping talent but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring pipers. The ability to excel on the world stage shows that with dedication, hard work, and the support of a strong community.

 

At Common Na Piobaireachd NZ, we are incredibly proud of all the pipers who represented New Zealand this summer.

 

Results summary:

 

Lorient
- Brendon Eade - 1st, MacCrimmon Trophy
- Brendon Eade - 2nd, Piobaireachd
- Liam Kernaghan - 2nd, MacCrimmon Trophy

 

Bronze Medal
- Liam Kernaghan - 1st, CPA Bronze Medal

 

Oban (Argyllshire Gathering)
- Liam Kernaghan - 4th, A Marches
- Brendon Eade - 4th, Gold Medal
- Maggie McConnochie - MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd (finalist)
- Greg Wilson - 1st, Jigs
- Maggie McConnochie - 5th, Intermediate MSR

 

Lochaber
- Liam Kernaghan - 1st, Gold Medal MSR
- Willie Rowe - 4th, A Piobaireachd
- Willie Rowe - 3rd, Hornpipe & Jig

 

Inverness (Northern Meeting)
- Willie Rowe - 3rd, Gold Medal
- Maggie McConnochie - 3rd, U18 MSR

 

Inverness Highland Games
- Louis Newman - 4th, MSR

 

Lonach
- Lucas Paterson - 1st, March
- Lucas Paterson - 2nd, Strathspey & Reel U18
- Lucas Paterson - 2nd, Piobaireachd U18
- Maggie McConnochie - 2nd, March U18
- Maggie McConnochie - 4th, Strathspey & Reel U18
- Maggie McConnochie - 4th, Piobaireachd U18

 

Glen Isla
- Maggie McConnochie - 1st, 2/4 March U18
- Lucas Paterson - 2nd, 2/4 March U18
- Lucas Paterson - 1st, Strathspey & Reel U18
- Maggie McConnochie - 2nd, Strathspey & Reel U18

 

Glenfinnan
- Maggie McConnochie - 1st, 17 & Under Piobaireachd
- Maggie McConnochie - 1st, 17 & Under March
- Maggie McConnochie - 1st, 17 & Under Strathspey & Reel

 

Benbecula - Young Piper of the Year
- Piers Dover - 1st 2/4 March

- Piers Dover - 2nd Piob
- Campbell Wilson - 4th, Senior Open Hornpipe & Jig

 

North Uist

- Piers Dover - 1st Jig

- Piers Dover - 3rd 2/4 March
- Piers Dover - 3rd Piobaireachd

- Piers Dover - 4th Strathspey and Reel

- Seumas Eade - 2nd, Jigs

 

Crieff Highland Games
- Maggie McConnochie - 2nd, March
- Maggie McConnochie - 2nd, Strathspey & Reel
- Maggie McConnochie - 3rd, Jig

 

Helensburgh

- Piers Dover - 2nd 2/4 March

- Campbell Wilson - 3rd, Senior Open Piobaireachd

 

St. Andrew’s
- Campbell Wilson - 1st, Senior Open Jigs

- Seumas Eade - 4th, Marches

 

Arisaig
- Campbell Wilson - 3rd, Senior Open 2/4 March

- Louis Davis - 5th Open Piobaireachd

 

Stonehaven Highland Games
- Louis Newman - 3rd, 2/4 March
- Louis Newman - 2nd, Strathspey & Reel

 

Tain
- Louis Davis - 4th, 2/4 March

 

Strathpeffer
- Louis Davis - 4th, Strathspey & Reel
- Louis Davis - 1st, 2/4 March
- Louis Davis - 3rd, Piobaireachd

 

Ballater
- Louis Davis - 4th, Piobaireachd

 

Mallaig & Morar
- Louis Davis - placed in 2/4 March

- Piers Dover - 3rd 2/4 March

 

Aboyne
- Louis Davis - 4th, Strathspey & Reel
- Louis Davis - 5th, Piobaireachd

 

Dornoch
- Louis Davis - 4th, Strathspey & Reel
- Campbell Wilson - 2nd, Senior Open 2/4 March

- Piers Dover - 2nd in Jig

 

Halkirk
- Louis Davis - 3rd, Strathspey & Reel
- Louis Davis - 3rd, 2/4 March
- Louis Davis - 4th, Piobaireachd

 

Durness
- Louis Davis - 4th, Piobaireachd
- Louis Davis - 4th, Jig

 

St Andrews

- Piers Dover - 2nd 2/4 March
- Piers Dover - 3rd Jig

- Piers Dover - 3rd Strathspey and Reel