Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes/ Atholl Gathering/ 214 BB/ Duncan Johnstone/ PS Conference

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The RSPBA are now taking the issue of band sizes seriously. There was a commitment at last weekend’s AGM to take the matter forward via the Music Board and a consultation with the bands. The proposal is that piper numbers be cut to 22 and side drummers to 11. No apparent mention of bass and tenors. The thrust of the argument put forward was one of fairness, always an emotional…

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History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981, Part 2

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We continue with our article from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison, their piping correspondent at the time. He continues his examination of the performances in that year’s competition for the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal….. The next player was P/M Gavin Stoddart who has had a successful a successful season as a competing piper. He was asked to play the Fingerlock. He…

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Important Decisions Following the RSPBA AGM

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The hybrid AGM was conducted from RSPBA HQ in Washington Street, Glasgow, on March 14, with the majority of directors and some local band representatives present in person. Others joined online. A total of 49 bands attended. Two major decisions which will be of interest are: 1 The Music Board and Format Group will consider a limit on the maximum number of registered players in a given band: 22 x pipers and…

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History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981

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This article is from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison their piping correspondent at the time. Alfred, affectionately known as ‘old Fred’, was the father of the Gold Medallist and bellows piper supreme, ‘young’ Fred Morrison. Alfred was a native of South Uist. It was there as a young man he received his piobaireachd tuition from visiting instructor RB Nicol, one of the Bobs…

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78th Fraser Highlanders from Ontario to Headline World’s Week Concert

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Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band has announced that their ‘pre-Worlds’ concert this year will be headlined by the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Canada. The concert is on Wednesday, 12th August 2026 at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. 78th Pipe Major Michael Grey commented, ‘Making music for performance outside of competition is a huge part of what the 78th is about. The band thrives on it and building a…

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