'The best day of my piping life': Edinburgh man named best bagpiper in the world
Fettes College piping instructor beat nine others to win top gong
An Edinburgh piper has been crowned the best in the world having been awarded overall winner in the prestigious 2026 Glenfiddich Solo Piping Championships.
Alasdair Henderson, 38, cemented his place in the history books by winning what is seen as the greatest award in competitive solo Highland piping, at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl on Saturday, October 31.
The Fettes College Piping Instructor from Leith came first out of a group of 10 of the world’s finest pipers who receive an invitation to participate having qualified through major competition successes during the year.
On his victory, Alasdair said: “Receiving the award on Saturday was the best day of my piping life. I’ve worked an entire lifetime towards this, and it feels fairly surreal at the moment.
“I was very happy with the way I played on Saturday and thought I put two really good runs together. I feel honoured to receive this prestigious title and trophy.”
Recalling his first steps into piping nearly three decades ago, Alasdair still loves being part of the “community” of pipers.
He said: “I spoke to my auntie a few days ago and she had mentioned that she clearly remembers the first day I got my pipes. I had walked out of my grandparents house carrying them, with the biggest smile on my face, chuffed that I’d finally got a full set of my very own.
“I was 10-years-old and could not wait to begin piping. Piping has been in my family for many generations, and having been brought up in Dunoon, Argyll, it was my uncle, Pipe Major Jim Henderson, who gave me my initial lessons.
“I also received additional tuition whilst attending the local primary and, later, secondary school. I benefited greatly from this and eventually performed with the Dunoon Grammar school Pipe Band.
“I think anyone who has ever learned to play a musical instrument can relate with me in saying that it’s one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can do for yourself. It has to come from a place of passion and piping just resonates with me.
“The sound to me is like no other in this world. I also love that piping is the epitome of Scottish culture, and the history and stories from the past are fascinating.
“The experiences you gain from being a part of the community are unlike anything else I could have imagined growing up. So yes, I suppose you could say I have always loved piping.”
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‘The Glenfiddich’ is recognised as the Champion of Champions. Alasdair secured his invitation by winning the Piping Live Masters Solo Competition in August.
He won the championship on Saturday having come first in the Piobaireachd event before finishing third in the March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR), to secure the overall Glenfiddich title.
It was the 53rd annual running of the prestigious event. Alasdair saw off competition from Stuart Liddell from Inverary who finished second and Iain Speirs from Edinburgh who rounded off the top three.
After picking up this honour, Alasdair reflected on his past successes in piping, including being part of four World Championship teams, and meeting his wife.
He said: “I’ve achieved many solo successes. These include the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medals which are competed for annually at both the Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meeting.
“I’m the Pipe Sergeant of the Inveraray and District Pipe Band and as part of that team we have won the World Championship in Grade One on four occasions, in 2017, 2018, 2024, 2025.
“But in addition to that and just as interesting to me, I’ve played to audiences at various recitals, performed for famous people and travelled the world teaching and performing.
“I met my wife Olivia, who is also a piper, whilst on a trip to Virginia in the United States, and have made incredible, lifelong friendships from the piping community. These are all experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”