SILVER CHANTER

Since its inception in 1967 with the support and patronage of Dame Flora MacLeod (28th Chief of Clan MacLeod), it became an important annual event in the piping calendar. Continuing the traditional association of the Chiefs of MacLeod with the MaCrimmons and their legendary piobraireachd, it was a wonderful opportunity to witness what one commentator described as Scotland’s greatest contribution to world music in Dunvegan Castle’s medieval Keep, the birthplace of the piobraireachd.

In 2018, the Skye Piping Society and the National Piping Centre announced that the Silver Chanter competition would move from Dunvegan Castle to Glasgow. Cailean Maclean, chairman of the Isle of Skye Piping Society, said: “While the Skye Piping Society is disappointed that due to rising costs and diminishing income, we have had to sever our connection with the Silver Chanter competition, we are delighted that, through the support of the William Grant Foundation and the National Piping Centre, a way has been found of ensuring the event’s continuation at least for the next few years. It is wonderful that this prestigious piping event has not been lost and we wish every success to the National Piping Centre in its stewardship of the Silver Chanter Competition.”

We sincerely hope that the Silver Chanter Competition will one day return to Dunvegan Castle.