March 7^th and 8^th saw the Redding Bagpipe Competition return for it’s 15 th year. Each of the five amateur grades of solo piping were represented with a high turnout and the competition retains the title of the largest indoor competition under the Western US Pipe Band Association. Highlights of the weekend were the Sunday aggregate awards ceremony where the winner of each grade received a Scottish Sgian Dubh trophy and a bunch of extras donated by our supporters. Of particular note, Grade 1 champion, Steven McEhaney of the Prince Charles Pipe Band, received an invitation to compete at the prestigious Sandy Jones Memorial Amateur Championships held in November in Florida. The Redding Bagpipe Competition is the only West Coast qualifier for this event. Of equal note, our Grade 2 champion, Katya Teodorovich, also of the Prince Charles Pipe Band, not only took home all the Grade 2 aggregate prizes but was also awarded the Fred Rutledge Memorial, Piper of the Day Quaich for her outstanding performance across the whole weekend. Katya is a young piper rapidly making her way up the ranks of piping. It is really great to see the youth of piping demonstrate such a commitment to the future of the piping arts.

The 2026 awards for the Redding Bagpipe Competition.

The Grade 1 aggregate winner, Steven McElhaney being awarded the Sandy Jones invitation by the 2025 winner and invite, Gavin Guidotti.

Three of our Judges; Ken Sutherland, Terry Lee, and Jack Lee, present the Grade 2 aggregate awarw to Katy Teodorovich.

The Commander Fred Rutledge, Piper of the Day Quaich for 2026.