The Clarence Valley will welcome Stuart Easton, one of the world’s leading exponents of the Great Highland Bagpipe and the finest New Zealand piper of his generation, to the 117th Maclean Highland Gathering on April 15 and 16.

Stuart began piping at the age of 13 and has gone on to dominate the solo piping scene in New Zealand.

He has been a prolific prizewinner throughout his homeland, Australia, France and Scotland.

In 2017, Stuart claimed the silver medal at the Northern Meeting in Inverness before going on to claim the prestigious Highland Society of London gold medal at the Argyllshire Highland Gathering in 2018.

He qualified to compete at the prestigious Glenfiddich Piping Championships at Blair Castle and was awarded 5th prize in the Piobaireachd on his first appearance.

Stuart has also been New Zealand’s representative at the Interceltique Festival in Lorient, France on nine occasions.

As a recipient of the William Boyle Scholarship, Stuart achieved the Institute of Piping Senior Certificate at the Piping Centre in Glasgow.

He also played for the Manawatu Scottish Grade 1 Pipe Band for 25 years and became a life member in 2021.

Stuart previously visited Maclean in 2013 as a young piper and won the Maclean gold medal for his outstanding piping skills.

At the 117th Maclean Highland Gathering, Stuart will adjudicate in the pipe band and solo piping events on Friday, April 15, and perform a recital on Saturday, April 16 from 8:15pm at the Maclean Civic Hall.

This is a free community event, no bookings are required.  

The 117th Maclean Highland Gathering will be held on April 15 and 16 at the Maclean Showground.