A spokesman for the promoters, City of Edinburgh Pipe Band, said: ‘We were delighted when Bob and Ian agreed to join our own pipe major Barry Donaldson on the bench for what is going to be a wonderful day of top class piping.
‘Both Bob and Ian have led bands to the very highest level, winning the World Pipe Band Championship on more than one occasion, Bob with Dysart & Dundonald and Ian with Strathclyde Police. Barry was a member of Ian’s band for many of these victories so we could not have a better adjudication line-up.’
The historic picture up top shows Bob (left front) and Ian (right) along with two other World Championship winning pipe majors Iain Macleod of City of Edinburgh Police and Tom MacAllister of Shotts & Dykehead.
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The Wheel of Fortune takes place on February 13 at Danderhall Miners Club near Edinburgh. Admission is £15 (£5 for under 16s) and the music kicks off from lunchtime. Pipers invited to play are: Brian Lamond, Chris Armstrong, Callum Beaumont, Jonathan Greenlees, Alasdair Henderson, Finlay Johnston, Douglas Murray and Angus Nicholson.
The Wheel of Fortune competition – which requires competitors to play an MSR, some light music of their choice and a selection of tunes determined by spinning the Wheel’s golden chanter – is one of the more innovative fundraising ventures in the pipe band world.
Pipe Major Donaldson explained: ‘Our event started out with the aim of releasing pipers from the constraints of traditional solo competition. By performing their party pieces and pitting their wits against the Wheel, the pipers who join us can express themselves to the full. Beyond preparing for the next season, there’s not much happening during the dark winter months for pipers and piping enthusiasts. We wanted to give them an afternoon they would remember.
‘Over the years, we’ve paid more attention to the fundraising benefits of our event. Like many bands, we’re entirely self-funded. The income generated by the Wheel of Fortune – from ticket sales and through our auction and raffle – makes an important contribution to our band’s funds and we really appreciate the support of the pipers who take part, our sponsors, and our audience. With another brilliant line-up, we’re looking forward to welcoming a bumper crowd to Danderhall Miners Club.’
The event will begin with a performance by the City of Edinburgh Schools Pipe Band. The competition begins at 12.00pm prompt, with doors open from 11.30am. For enquiries about the competition, please contact Paul White, Secretary of the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band, by calling 07941 679015 or sending an email to paulwhite2@blueyonder.co.uk.
P/M Bill Livingstone explained: ‘I always preferred the Balmoral to the Glengarry; a better traditional look. As we all had different kilts the decision was made to follow the Bretons in what they wear but with a good touch of tartan on the bags.
‘We are extremely grateful to McCallum Bagpipes for their sponsorship and for getting everything ready in such a short space of time.’
The band takes to stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall at 1pm tomorrow and the show is scheduled to run until 4pm. Tickets are going fast but there are still a few left. Get them here and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of top grade pipe band music with a good dose of nostalgia thrown in.
Read about the original concert here.