Famous Pipers: Angus MacKay Conclusion/ Mod Reminder/Braemar Jnrs./Worlds Tickets

Today we end our look at the life and times of piping genius Angus MacKay, how he was consumed by mental illness and eventually escaped from an institution and drowned in a river in south-west Scotland. There are tributes and an assessment of the life of the man who more than any other laid the foundation of our modern piping tradition.


Final day for entries to the National Mod piping being held in October in Oban. Click on the ad for entry.


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Excellent response to the photographs of the Argyllshire Gathering Over the Ages on our PP Video Archive. Additional pix welcome.


Repeat from yesterday: Killin Games has been cancelled for this year due to redevelopment work on the games park being behind schedule. Tomorrow sees the Braemar Junior Games. Here’s what the Aberdeen Press & Journal have reported: ‘Budding young athletes will show off their talents at the Braemar Junior Highland Games this weekend. Youngsters aged five to 17 will take part in a range of traditional Scottish events, including tossing the caber, throwing the hammer and a tug of war. There will also be Highland dancing and piping contests throughout Saturday’s July11 games, which will be held at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park from noon.

‘Last year a record-breaking 500 youngsters took part in the fun, in front of a crowd of 1,500 and organisers are hoping their 11th event will be just as successful. John Kinsella, a founder and committee member of the Braemar Junior Highland Games, said: ‘The event has gone from strength to strength each year and has been blaze-trailing the way for other similar events around the country. Organisers from different parts of the country have come to see the Braemar event and see how it’s done, and we hope to build this.’

A family ceilidh will be held in the village hall. Tickets, or more information, is available by calling Mr Kinsella on 01339 741679. Admission for the junior games is £3 for adults and £1 for children on the day at the gate.


Re the Worlds, if you are going make sure you take advantage of the ‘early bird’ ticket offers. Prices go up on the day. Buy your briefs and get more info here.


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