History: How it All Began for the RSPBA

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Piping Press recently published information about the formation in 1930 of the Scottish Pipe Band Association (SPBA), which we now know as the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), ‘Royal’ status having been bestowed on the Association in 1980. Over the years the Association has undergone several changes, many of which are described in the, ‘How it all began; and the first 75 years’ booklet published by the RSPBA in…

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‘Masters of Piping’, a Masterwork by Seumas MacNeill

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A new edition of writer Seumas MacNeill’s celebrated book, ‘Masters of Piping’, has been published by the Piobaireachd Society. The original work was issued in 2006 sponsored by the Society in honour of Mr MacNeill, for 20 years its Honorary Secretary. It was based on a radio series he made for BBC Radio Scotland. The new revised edition has been produced in co-operation with his son Rory and PP Editor…

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Reader’s Letters: William MacLean and Lachie Bàn/ Muirheads and Bob Hardie

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Russell Gault: ‘I found the article Creagorry Blend, Lachie Bàn MacCormack and P/M William MacLean very interesting [read it here]. ‘I am a descendant of P/M Willie MacLean. His father, Archibald, of Raasay, was also a piper and hotelier at the Creagorry Inn, Benbecula. ‘There are still some extremely rare bottles of ‘Old Highland Malt Whisky’ produced by Archibald MacLean (presumably in the 1890s and early 1900s) to be found…

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Band Fees for Next Season/ SPA Juveniles/ CLASP Practice Chanters

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The RSPBA has announced its band fees for 2027. There has been no increase from this year.  Registrations are open and fees must be paid by November 30th or a 20% surcharge applies. Rates are £277 per band. This drops to £252 for juveniles. A new adult band must pay £302 to register and a new Juvenile band £277. Fees for overseas (non-UK) bands are £231 and £210 (Juv.) If an…

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Editor’s Notebook: RSPBA Chief Exec/ Toronto CNE/ College Summer School/ World Solo Drumming/ Con Houlihan

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All the indications are that the RSPBA has made an inspired choice in appointing Meaghan Lyons as its new Chief Executive. From what I’ve read, Meaghan has a wide business experience (especially in fund raising). We also know she is very good with people and has a thorough knowledge of the pipe band world in Canada, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Of course this last is not a pre-requisite of the…

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