Army Phototgraph Reveals Possible Picture of Lt.Col. David Murray on Parade in Japan

We are indebted to Canadian reader Mitch McDowell for the following article and photographs. These references to piping history are very popular with the Piping Press readership and are of interest to pipers both young and old, so a big thank you to Mr McDowell. If any other reader has similar article he/she would like to share please pass on. Please find attached three photographs that I found in an old…

History: Origins of the Modern Day Pipe Band – Conclusion

We conclude David Murray’s revealing history. Read earlier excerpts here. Of the picture above David writes, ‘Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers, Poona, India, 1909. The Pipes and Drums comprises Drum Major, Pipe Major and 19 pipers, one bass and 16 side drums [including tenors]. The battalion in India was kept up to full strength by drafts from the ‘home’ battalion. A typical pipe band…

PP Ed’s Blog: Inveraray-Kemper Concert/ Jimmy on Camel/ Poll Findings/ David Murray

The big event today is the joint Celtic Connections concert being given by Stuart Liddell’s Inveraray & District Pipe and Bagad Kemper from Brittany, France. Tickets have sold very well and there will be a large crowd at the event which kicks off at 12.30pm in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, but some places are still available. Here’s the link. Writing about Jimmy Anderson last week I forgot to mention his…

History: The Origins of the Modern Day Pipe Band Part 3

The late piping historian and military music expert Lt. Col. David Murray continues his examination of the origins of the pipe band. You can read earlier excerpts here and here. The influence of John MacAdam’s road surface also had its effect on the music. On the line of march, the Pipes and Drums and the Military Band played alternately, the Military Band usually being stationed half way down the column. The…

History: How MacAdam’s Roads Spawned the Modern Day Pipe Band

The late piping scholar, historian and military music expert David Murray wrote this article for Pipe Band Magazine in 2002. It traces the earliest origins of the pipe band. Of the picture above David wrote: It shows drummers of the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders in 1883. Note the size of the bass drum and that seven of the drummers carry flutes. Seven wear the medals for the 2nd Afghan War of…