Glenfiddich Piping Championship 2026

The Glenfiddich Piping Championship was established in 1974 to inspire the world’s finest individual pipers and to seek the best overall exponents of ceòl mòr (the great music) and ceòl beag (light music).

Each year, 10 competitors qualify to play at this prestigious event through placing in one of a series of qualifying events throughout the season.

The 53rd edition will take place on Saturday 31st October 2026 from 10am, with the Pipers' Ceilidh at the Atholl Palace Hotel starting from 8.30pm that evening.

Tickets are available for day and ceilidh at the Buy Tickets button below. for the first time, you can buy day tickets and ceilidh tickets separately.

The Event

The day consists of two parts, with the 10 performers each playing Piobaireachd and then March, Strathspey & Reel, which, in a further test of the competitors' skill, they play each style of tune twice through. The winner is the person with the highest aggregate score across these two sections, with Piobaireachd taking precendence in event of a tie.

The competitors are drawn from a list of qualifying events:
The previous year's Glenfiddich Champion
The winner of the Bratach Gorm at the Scottish Piping Society of London competition
The Overall winner of the Scottish Piping Society of London competition
The Piping Live! Masters Overall Winner
The Senior Piobaireachd Winner at the Argyllshire Gathering
The Former Winner's MSR Winner at the Argylleshire Gathering
The Gold Medallist at the Argyllshire Gathering
The Clasp (Senior Piobaireachd) Winner at the Northern Meeting
The Silver Star (Former Winner's MSR) - Winner at the Northern Meeting
The Gold Medallist at the Northern Meeting

In the event of mulitple qualifications, second places from the Clasp, Senior Piobaireachd, Silver Star and FW MSR are used, until all 10 places are awarded.

Also on the day, the Balvenie Medal for Services to Piping will be awarded. You can find out more about the Balvenie Medal here

Each year, after the day of performances, The Pipers’ Ceilidh takes place at the stunning Atholl Palace Hotel.

This elegant Black Tie dinner is a highlight of the day, bringing pipers and guests together for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and outstanding music.

Your evening includes:

• Sparkling wine on arrival

• A delicious three-course meal, with wine on the table

• A live ceilidh from the brilliant Marie Fielding and Friends

• A very special surprise performance

• An open bar until approx. 11pm

This fantastic event perfectly rounds off a spectacular day of music.