The Northern Meeting Piping Competition has emerged as the pre-eminent and most prestigious piping competition in the world. The Gold Medal for the classical piobaireachd music and the Gold Clasp for former winners are the most sought-after achievements for any piper. The honour attached to such success attracts pipers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Northern Ireland and throughout the British Isles.

Entry to the competition is restricted to those of the highest calibre and competition is intense. Approximately 100 competitors are selected to take part in the various events. These include the classic Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey and Reel and Hornpipes and Jigs. The competition also caters for younger players with numbers in the junior competition increasing to some 30-40, reflecting the expanding interest in schools.

Competitions include:

Thursday 3rd September 2026

GOLD MEDAL - Empire Theatre from 8.30am

SILVER MEDAL - MacLean Room from 8.30am

‘A’ GRADE MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL - One Touch Theatre from 9.00am

FORMER WINNERS MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL - Empire Theatre from 6.00pm

Friday 4th September 2026

CLASP

HORNPIPE & JIG

‘B’ GRADE MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL

‘B’ GRADE HORNPIPE & JIG

JUNIOR PIPING COMPETITION - Friday 12th September 2025

UNDER 18 PIOBAIREACHD

UNDER 15 PIOBAIREACHD

UNDER 18 MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL

UNDER 15 MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL

Exact timings cannot be given for the competitions and the Committee reserves the right to change times or locations if necessary, to ensure the continuity of the programme.

Presentation of Prizes

Prizes will be presented by The Provost of Inverness in the One Touch Theatre after the conclusion of the competitions.

Those wishing to attend the awards ceremony are kindly requested to be seated no later than 10 minutes before the awards ceremony start time. This will be announced approximately 30 minutes in advance.

Whilst it is likely that plenty of seats will be available, in the event that the One Touch capacity is exceeded, the Theatre Door Staff may have to limit the numbers attending.

Come along and watch spectacular talent at Eden Court.

Please contact Ticket Sales (01463 234234) to book both days for £27.50.