Celebrating the Next Generation of Piping Talent
COMPETITION ENTRY FORMNPC JUNIOR COMPETITION
The NPC Junior Piping Competition celebrates the finest young pipers!
The 2026 competition will be held on Saturday 21st February.
We are looking forward to welcoming nearly 100 young players and hearing over 220 performances during this great day of competition for the 30th edition of our annual Junior Piping Competition.
Four Categories, two Locations
Events for each category
Category A – U18 years – NPC McPhater Street
Update: 17/11/25 – All events in category A are now full.
1. Piobaireachd
2. March, Strathspey and Reel
3. Jig
If you have registered for these events on or after 17/11/25 your entry will not be included and you will be refunded.
Update: 06/01/26 – All events in category B are now full.
Category B – Under 15 years – NPC McPhater Street
4. Piobaireachd
5. March
6. Strathspey and Reel
If you have registered for these events on or after 06/01/26 your entry will not be included and you will be refunded.
Category C – Under 13 Years – NPC Otago Street
7. Piobaireachd Ground
8. March
Category D – Chanter – NPC Otago Street
9. March
10. Slow Air
Event Information
Competition Timetable
- Event registration will open 13th November and close 6th February 2026.
- Please note that capacity is limited for all events (25 piobaireachd and 30 light music events).
- Start times and draw details will be communicated to competitors once entries have closed.
- Results for Category D will be announced at NPC Otago Street on conclusion of the event (c.1pm)
- Results for Categories A, B and C will be announced at NPC McPhater Street on conclusion of the days events (c.6.30pm).
- Results will be available in full on Bagpipe.News shortly after the event.
Event Rules
General Entry Guidelines
Competition Entry Information
Entry Fee: £7.50 per event (all categories)
Entry Process:
Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must be accompanied by payment.
Event timings will be included with the draw, which will be emailed to all competitors one week before the competition.
Eligibility & Categories
Competitors must be under the age limit for their category on the day of the event:
- Age 17 → Under 18 category
- Age 14 → Under 15 category
- Age 12 → Under 13 category
- 18+ competitors are not eligible to enter.
Competitors may enter one category only from Categories A, B, C, or D.
Event Limits
- Maximum 25 competitors per Piobaireachd event
- Maximum 30 competitors per Light Music event
These limits may be adjusted at the discretion of the organisers.
Events with too few entries may be cancelled.
Performance Requirements
- Events 2, 5, and 8: competitors must play a 2/4 March with a minimum of 4 parts.
- All music must be performed from memory, including Chanter competitions.
Championships
Junior Championship:
Aggregate of Events 1, 2 & 3.
Tie-breaker: Highest Piobaireachd placing.
Novice Championship:
Aggregate of Events 4, 5 & 6.
Tie-breaker: Highest Piobaireachd placing.
U13 Championship:
Aggregate of Events 7 & 8.
Tie-breaker: Highest Piobaireachd placing.
Chanter Championship:
Aggregate of Events 9 & 10.
Tie-breaker: Highest March placing.
Note: Winners of the overall Chanter Championship cannot compete in Chanter competitions in future years and must move up to the next category.
Dress Code
- Categories A, B & C: Highland dress required – jackets may be worn, but are not required.
- Category D: Highland dress encouraged but not required — school uniform or smart dress is acceptable.
On the Day
- Report to your steward upon arrival.
- Arrive early — running times may vary.
- Competitors must stay in contact with their steward and be ready to play when called.
Category Information
Category A – Junior Championship
Update: 17/11/25 – All events in category A are now full.
If you have registered for these events on or after 17/11/25 your entry will not be included and you will be refunded.
Eligibility
Open to all pipers under 18 years of age on the day of the competition.
Events
- Event 1: Piobaireachd
- Event 2: March, Strathspey & Reel
- Event 3: Jig
Competitors should submit one tune of each type.
For Events 2 and 3, all tunes must have a minimum of four parts.
Championship
The Junior Champion will be decided on the highest aggregate score from Events 1, 2, and 3.
In the event of a tie, the award will go to the competitor with the highest Piobaireachd placing.
Tune Requirements
Event 2 – Strathspey & Reel: Each must have a minimum of four parts.
Event 2 – March: Must be in 2/4 time with at least four parts.
Category B – Novice Championship
Eligibility
Open to all pipers under 15 years of age on the day of the competition.
Events
- Event 4: Piobaireachd
- Event 5: 2/4 March
- Event 6: Strathspey & Reel
Competitors should submit one tune of each type.
In Event 5, the March must be in 2/4 time, and all tunes in Events 5 and 6 must have a minimum of four parts.
Championship
The Novice Champion will be decided on the highest aggregate score from Events 4, 5, and 6.
In the event of a tie, the overall award will be given to the competitor with the highest Piobaireachd placing. placing.
Category C – U13 Championship
Eligibility
Open to all pipers under 13 years of age on the day of the competition.
Events
- Event 7: Piobaireachd Ground
- Event 8: 2/4 March
Competitors should submit one tune of each type.
In Event 8, the tune must be in 2/4 time and have a minimum of four parts.
Championship
The Under 13 Champion will be decided on the highest aggregate score from Events 7 and 8.
In the event of a tie, the overall award will be given to the competitor with the highest Piobaireachd Ground placing.
Category D – Chanter Contest
Eligibility
Open to all competitors eligible for the chanter events.
Competitors who have previously won the overall Chanter Championship cannot enter these events.
Events
- Event 8: 2/4 March (two parts only)
- Event 9: Slow Air (two parts only)
Competitors may enter one or both events.
For both events, only one tune of each type should be submitted.
Each tune must have two parts only.
Championship
The Chanter Champion will be decided on the highest aggregate score from Events 8 and 9.
In the event of a tie, the overall award will be given to the competitor with the highest March placing.
