CLASP Hold First Live Competition for Two Years

Results from 26th March In-Person CLASP Competition at The National Piping Centre, Otago Street, Glasgow. The event marked the first CLASP In-Person contest since January 2020. There was a good number of entries across grades 1, 2 and 3.  Thanks to the stewards who kindly volunteered their time, Janette Greenwood and Elizabeth Williamson. The judges for the day were Finlay Johnston (Piobaireachd) and Darach Urquhart (Light Music). Here are their…

History: Iconic Bagpipemaker Peter Henderson’s Catalogue from the 1930s Part 2

We continue with our look at the Peter Henderson catalogue from the 1930s. It has a full page on how to make your own bag seasoning. In these days everyone played either sheepskin or hide bags. There were few proprietory brands of seasoning. Of those that did exist, Robertson’s ‘Airtight’ was the market leader. The recipe for this mixture was bought by John Weatherston of RG Hardie & Co in…

Editor’s Notebook: Henderson’s Shop/ Highland Games/ Sir John MacDonald/ Stuart Easton/ Campbeltown Book

On a pleasant perambulation through Glasgow city centre the other day I passed the Atholl Arms pub in Renfrew Street. They’ve this old picture in the window. If you look closely you can see bagpipemaker Peter Henderson‘s shop next door at number 24. This was where John MacDougall Gillies held court of a Saturday, passing on his great knowledge to those crowding in. It was here too that RG Hardie…

Pipe Band Workshop: A Closer Look at Medley Construction

When building a Medley, pipe majors should consider time constraints. Some of the most successful bands in Grade 1 in recent years have tended to limit their Medley to just over the five minutes. (The requirement in this grade is five to seven minutes.) These bands can still produce exciting music within the shorter time frame and have less likelihood of any slip up. Introductory Tunes: These can win or…

History: Peter Henderson, the Iconic Bagpipe Maker

The following is taken from a 1930s catalogue of the famous Glasgow firm of pipe makers…… To our customers we offer this our latest catalogue, hoping that the confidence and goodwill which has for so long existed may continue in the future. To prospective customers we hope this catalogue will prove of value to them and lead to business associations that will be to our mutual advantage. To old friends…