The American Scottish Foundation (ASF) announces the presentation of the 2026 Young Scot Wallace Award for Piping. Growing upon the American Scottish Foundation’s recognition of the great talent of Young Scots, the American Scottish Foundation expanded its Wallace Awards to include Young Scot Awards in various categories.
The ASF Youth Bursary program begun by the Foundation’s founder Lord Malcolm Douglas Hamilton 70 years ago, expands and builds upon his vision of support and helping Scottish and Scottish American youth in their experiences.
During New York Tartan Week 2026, the ASF will recognize award winning and celebrated piper, Craig Weir, who has advised and helped the American Scottish Foundation in the development of the ASF Pipes and Drums on the Fountain Terrace at Bryant Park.
The Pipes and Drums at Bryant Park is now in its 12th year and a leading element is the opportunity it offers to Scottish Youth Pipe Bands to build upon taking part in the New York Tartan Day Parade by performing on the Fountain Terrace of the Park – in the shadow of Andrew Carnegie’s New York Public Library.
Connecting the diaspora in its love of Scotland and the pipes
The award will be presented during the Pipes and Drums on the Fountain Terrace on Saturday April 11 at 12pm mid the performance taking place that day. “I am so grateful for Craig’s help and commitment to seeing the young Scottish pipe bands involved in New York Tartan Week and helping us develop Bryant Park Pipes and Drums into such an amazing part of New York Tartan Week – and we are looking to build on that with spotlighting Highland Games opportunities too,” noted Camilla Hellman, President, American Scottish Foundation.
Craig Weir grew up in Dundee and from the age of 8 the pipes have been a part of his life. The pipes have led to Craig travelling the world playing from Europe, China, Canada and the US where he has performed in 12 States to date. Craig has performed for many dignitaries including the various members of the Royal Family; fulfilling several performances for Queen Elizabeth II most notably at Balmoral in August 2022, and as part of Dundee funeral cortege farewell.
Craig pipes have greeted His Holiness The Dalai Lama and First Lady Michelle Obama. From royal visits to rock and roll, Craig has taken the stage connecting the diaspora in its love of Scotland and the pipes. From Queen to Bay City Rollers and to his own band with roaring horn section, Gleadhraich. In 2025 Gleadhraich performed in Tulsa, Oklahoma for Scotfest and will play later this year at the New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival as well as performing internationally.
For more information visit: www.americanscottishfoundation.com
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