Accolade for piper
A Strath piper has proved yet again that he’s one of the best in the world after putting in first-class performances at the prestigious Glenfiddich Piping Championships, which were held on Saturday.
Connor Sinclair came second overall in his first- ever appearance at the competition, which was established in 1974 to inspire the world’s finest individual pipers and to seek the best overall exponents of the traditional instrument.
The 23 year-old also took the title in the March, Strathspey and Reel section and came fifth in the Piobaireachd competition.
Ten performers were invited to compete at the world’s greatest solo piping event, which was held in the great hall of Blair Castle, and livestreamed globally.
Connor is well- known in Crieff, Comrie and Muthill for his ability on the pipes, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Hugh, who was a drummer with Comrie Pipe Band.
As a youngster he was a recognisable figure with his distinctive swagger and tweed tammy competing on the Highland Games circuit.
And Connor is already a two-time world champion having notched up success as part of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band when they won the title in 2014 and 2016.
He told the Herald: “I first started learning to play the pipes when I was five through tuition from Jim Barnes and the Comrie Pipe Band.
“I must have been seven or eight when I had my first competition but I cant remember much about it!”
Professional musician Connor, who plays with folk band Gnoss and is also about to start teaching at the National Piping Centre, is delighted with his performance at the Glenfiddich championships.
He said: “I put in a lot of work for Glenfiddich so was very happy that it paid off. Even though I played well, I never imagined I would be anywhere close to the prize list, so I am over the moon with the result.”