Crief piper Craig Sutherland wins Macgregor trophy

Jan 15 2010 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

A JUNIOR piper from Crieff has gained senior level status in piping at the age of just 17.

Craig Sutherland won the coveted Macgregor Memorial Trophy for pibroch (piobaireachd) at the Argyllshire Gathering in August and this has automatically entitled him to a Grade B listing.

One of the top competitions in the piping world, the event attracts pipers from all over the globe, and the Strathearn musician’s win in the U22 age group now qualifies him to compete at silver medal standard.

It is unusual for someone under 18 to be a Grade B piper as it normally takes many years to make the grade at senior level. However, Craig is proving to be one of Scotland’s top young pipers.

The talented Crieff High School pupil’s achievements in solo piping and pibroch were many in 2009, including taking away silverware from the Northern meeting at Inverness in September where he was U18 champion in the March, Strathspey and Reel and came second in the pibroch class making him the overall winner.

And at Braemar Highland Gathering, he took the title in the U18 March, Strathspey and Reel and pibroch sections for the third year running.

He also had successes at the Aboyne games; Pitlochry Junior Competition and Kingdom of Fife contest.

Craig’s pibroch tutor Ron Clark speaks highly of his star pupil.

“He has a tremendous ear,” he said. “His musicianship and technique are excellent and he is a joy and a pleasure to teach. What’s also impressive is that he is good with the young ones and he gives them lots of encouragement.”

The sixth year pupil plays for the Grade 1 Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and is also pipe major of the newly formed Crieff High School Band.

Vale of Atholl Pipe Major and Craig’s solo piping and light music tutor Adrian Cramb from Crieff added: “Although he’s one of the younger members of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, he’s a very mature player and seems to have experience beyond his years.”