The Northern Meeting: A Legacy of Scottish Bagpiping and Culture
The Northern Meeting is a prestigious gathering held in Inverness, Scotland, renowned globally for its elite solo bagpiping competitions. While it is most famous today for the high-caliber musical talent it attracts every September, the event began as a broader social institution designed to foster community and cultural exchange in the Highlands.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1798 to promote social intercourse.
- Location: Primarily Inverness, Scotland.
- Primary Event: Solo bagpiping competitions held in early September.
- Most Prestigious Award: The Gold Medal, donated by the Highland Society of London.
- Competition Scope: Includes Senior and Junior categories across pibroch and light music.
A History of Social and Cultural Gathering
Established in 1798, the Northern Meeting was originally created to promote "Social Intercourse." In its early years, the gathering was a diverse social calendar featuring concerts, balls, horse races, and formal dinners. By 1789, the organization had established its own dedicated rooms at the corner of Church Street and Baron Taylor's Street to accommodate these events.
The integration of traditional arts grew over time, with an "exhibition of Pipers and Dancers" appearing in 1841. A pivotal moment occurred in 1848 when the Highland Society of London donated a Gold Medal for piping, following the cessation of their own competition in 1844. This donation helped cement the Northern Meeting's status as a premier venue for bagpiping.
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The event's physical footprint expanded in 1864 with the creation of the Northern Meeting Park in central Inverness, which served as the venue for the Highland Games. However, the onset of World War II led to a change in management; in 1946, the park was sold to the Inverness Burgh Council, and the event was renamed "The Inverness Highland Games." The original meeting rooms were sold in 1962, leading the piping competitions and balls to move to various venues across Inverness. Notably, between 2005 and 2007, the piping competition was temporarily relocated to Aviemore while the Eden Court Theatre underwent renovation.
The scale of these gatherings has historically been impressive. In 1926, the annual ball saw 850 attendees. The 1988 bicentenary celebration featured a week of events, culminating in a grand ball at Beaufort Castle attended by 1,000 guests.
The Solo Bagpiping Competitions
Today, the Northern Meeting is most celebrated for its annual solo bagpiping competitions held in early September. These typically take place one or two weeks after the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban, prompting many international pipers to visit Scotland to compete in both prestigious events.
Senior Competitions
The Senior level is divided into pibroch (the classical form of bagpipe music, also known as piobaireach) and light music. Each competition is limited to between 25 and 35 pipers.
- Pibroch: Competitions are held for the Gold Medal, the Silver Medal, and the Clasp (reserved for former Gold Medal winners).
- Light Music: This includes March, Strathspey, and Reel (MSR) competitions for A and B grades, as well as a category for former winners. Additionally, there are Hornpipe and Jig competitions for A and B grades.
To maintain high standards, eligibility for Senior competitions is determined by a Joint Eligibility Committee. This body includes representatives from the Northern Meeting, the Argyllshire Gathering, the Competing Pipers Association, and professional competition judges.
Junior Competitions
The event also nurtures young talent through Junior competitions. These are categorized by age grades (under 15 and under 18) and cover both piobaireach and March, Strathspey, and Reel (MSR) formats.
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Competition Summary
| Category | Competition Type | Specific Awards/Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Pibroch | Classical | Gold Medal, Silver Medal, The Clasp |
| Senior Light Music | MSR, Hornpipe, Jig | A Grade, B Grade, Former Winners |
| Junior | Piobaireach, MSR | Under 15, Under 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Northern Meeting piping competition take place?
The competition is held annually in early September, usually scheduled one or two weeks after the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban.
What is the significance of the Gold Medal?
The Gold Medal is one of the most prestigious awards in solo bagpiping; it was donated to the Northern Meeting by the Highland Society of London in 1848.
Who decides who can compete in the Senior competitions?
Eligibility is decided by a Joint Eligibility Committee consisting of judges, representatives from the Competing Pipers Association, the Argyllshire Gathering, and the Northern Meeting.
What is the difference between pibroch and light music?
Pibroch (or piobaireach) is the classical, formal music of the Highland bagpipe, whereas light music includes more rhythmic and melodic forms such as Marches, Strathspeys, Reels, Hornpipes, and Jigs.
Does the Northern Meeting still run the Inverness Highland Games?
No. The Northern Meeting stopped running the Games during World War II, and the Northern Meeting Park was sold to the Inverness Burgh Council in 1946, which renamed the event "The Inverness Highland Games."