A report in the Sunday Times newspaper last weekend bemoaned what they saw as a decline in our Highland games.
In particular they mentioned Cowal which they said could not come close these days to the 40,000 crowds it used to attract. What they failed to mention was the fact that Dunoon was no longer a pipe band championship and as such automatically cut out up to 150 pipe bands and their followers.
Why this was ever allowed to happen is beyond me. There have been plenty of opportunities to right the wrongs of the past but it seems until there is a change in the organising committee’s outlook this once iconic event will continue to remain a shadow of its former self.
The article went on to talk about the lack of skilled competitors coming forward – neglecting, of course, the piping. If the reporter (journalists these days!) had taken the trouble to ask ourselves or anyone else, the CPA comes to mind, they would have learned that some games have too many skilled pipers.
Caps have had to be introduced at Blair Atholl, Inveraray, and Braemar to name but three. Long may the keen interest continue. At least pipers are doing their bit to keep the Games afloat.
Scots Guards KO
The final of the Scots Guards Club Knockout was due to take place this Sunday, May 19, at the SG Club, Haymarket, Edinburgh. Unfortunately one of the finalists, Sandy Cameron, has an infection and can’t manage. Organiser Jimmy Banks says the final, between Sandy and Cameron May, will be re-scheduled soon.
Angus MacKay Cairn
This picture was sent to us from social media. It is of well-known composer, teacher and competitor, Karen McCrindle Warren having a tune at the Angus MacKay cairn on the banks of the Nith in Dumfries-shire.
The cairn marks the spot where Angus, seriously mentally ill and on the run from Crichton Memorial Hospital, plunged into the fast flowing river, never to be seen again.
The cairn was erected in 2010 following a campaign by the Piping Times. It garnered support from throughout the piping world, particularly from pipers from south-west Scotland. Members in that community had the cairn built and a local farmer donated the land.
It should be a a sort of pilgrimage for all pipers and it was nice to see Karen having a tune there. She does a lot of important work teaching not far away in East Ayrshire and I am sure her pupils will be imbued with the history and tradition surrounding Angus MacKay.
The cairn and surrounds looks well looked after so thanks to the local pipers for that. If you want to visit, it is on the B725 road south of Dumfries just before the village of Glencaple.
‘Voice’ Returns
EUSPBA President Bill Caudill has announced that the once popular Association magazine ‘The Voice’ will be returning in a new podcast format.
Said Bill: ‘This is not the print version like the days of old, but the new podcast format is going to be something which can involve all members and which will hopefully better connect us in our geographically diverse association.
‘We have great events and performances happening; we have great stories to tell and share. The monthly editions of THE VOICE podcast will soon be available at: voicepod.buzzsprout.com.’
The EUSPBA continues to grow and prosper under Bill’s innovative leadership.
Gourock
Having heard Shotts a few times last year I wasn’t surprised at their win in Grade 1 at the opening contest of the season on the Tail o’ the Bank.
Emmet Conway has clearly continued the good work from 2023. The clarity of fingering and the unison playing were obvious to anyone with a decent pair of lugs. A young band, they are one to watch. They are pictured above leaving the Gourock field looking rightly pleased with themselves.
The next band contest is the first major of the season at Bangor in Northern Ireland tomorrow (May 18). It will be interesting to see how the Gourock prize-winners (Shotts, Boghall, S Power) fare against Field Marshal and SLOT.
Highland Piper
Thanks to reader Paul Eschenburg for this picture of a ‘Highland Scots Piper’ by Arthur Jule Goodman:
Goodman, says Paul, was an American painter known for his works portraying famous individuals such as Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill and others. He also did some work at Buckingham Palace. The date on the picture is 1893. Says Paul: ‘Thought there might be a royal connection? The piper appears to be playing a piobaireachd high G. Would anyone have any idea who he might be?’
