Response to yesterday’s Malcolm Ferguson tune riddle: ‘My name is Colin Moulson and my late grandfather, Pipe Major Malcolm Ferguson who died in 1981, was very close friends with ‘wee’ Donald MacLeod for many years.
‘It has always been a source of great pride to all the family that he had a tune dedicated to him by not only his great friend Donald but by a man who happened to be one of the finest tune writers in history. This historical fact is folklore in our family.
‘Malcolm’s daughter Jean, my mother, who is almost 97 and resides in Glasgow, suspects that the tune was written in the late 1950s. She also knew Donald well and has fond memories of him.
‘Donald worked in Finnieston in Glasgow [at Grainger & Campbells] and he and Malcolm spent many happy hours there and most likely in the Park Bar close by!
‘We have never previously known that the tune may have been dedicated to someone else and we too think it unlikely it would have been re-dedicated after being published. The full, accurate story may never be known, but as mysteries go it’s a nice one.
‘As a small side note: Malcolm’s great-grand daughter, Molly Moulson, is a member of the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band, World Champions at Novice Juvenile B category in 2023. Malcolm was nodding in approval!’
- Very interesting Colin and thanks for getting in touch so promptly. Could you tell us which bands your grandfather played in and also please forward a picture in his uniform if you have one to editor@pipingpress.com
BAND EUROS CONFIRMED
The RSPBA has confirmed that next year’s European Pipe Band Championships will be held in Perth on Saturday, August 9. The announcement follows the successful holding of this year’s contest in the Fair City.
The RSPBA said they were delighted to be able to confirm the major so soon and that they were working on securing the three remaining outstanding championships, the British, the UKs and the Scottish. The Worlds have already been confirmed for August 15-16 at Glasgow Green.
CORRECTION
The next round of the Scots Guards KO is on November 24 between Sandy Cameron and Craig Muirhead, not Sandy and Bobby Allen as previously announced here. Ties to come:
November 24: Sandy Cameron v Craig Muirhead
January 26: Callum Wynd v Bobby Allan
February 23: Brodie Watson-Massie v Jamie Elder
Venue: Scots Guards Club, Haymarket; start 4pm.
BB ARTICLE
Well known piper and adjudicator Peter Aumonier writes regarding the civic reception story for the 214BB company from a couple of weeks back. The reception was held in Glasgow City Chambers and Peter writes: ‘Enjoyed your article on the BB. If only today’s police services gave the kind of support Ian [McLellan] got!
‘My family had an architectural and sculpturing firm that did work on the City Chambers. Our late friend Jimmy Hardie used to say how much he enjoyed playing there.’
The Glasgow Sculptor website has this on William Aumonier (1841-1914): Born in London of Huguenot descent, William worked as an architectural sculptor assisted by his sons William and Percy…In Glasgow he was one of a host of sculptors engaged on the City Chambers (1882-1890). Aumonier’s firm continued after his death run by his sons and grandsons…their output included the London Underground and the Daily Express. An illustrious family history Peter.
Whilst on the 214 I must record my regret at the passing of Iain Glass one of my fellow pipers in the band in the ’60s. Iain (74) died suddenly at home. He is pictured below at the civic reception. Iain’s funeral will be held at Clydebank Crematorium (Dalnottar) on Tuesday, 12th November 2024 at 2.30pm. Sincere condolences to Donnie and the rest of the family.
PIPING POEM
Sandhya Harpavat: ‘Keshav is a 15 year old, Grade 3 piper and student of Nick Hudson in Houston, Texas. He played in Scotland with the St Thomas Episcopal juvenile band a couple years ago. He wrote this poem about the bagpipe. He wondered if you would like to include it in your next newsletter.
The Highland Bagpipe
The Highland bagpipe, colossal to the rest
Worthy of a workout, especially in the chest
As the struggle begins with the first blow of air
The absence of earplugs, a bystander’s greatest despair
The hollow wooden drones sculpted to intricate perfection
Silky golden cords ensure a flawless connection
A firm leather chamber of air, the bag proves to be
An elaborately carved chanter to set the air free
Air embraces the reed with echoing delight
Igniting the bagpipes to blast through like light
Hums of the drones are first to please the ear
Beware to the enemy, the end is near
Sounds of the chanter, a tune ready to share
War on the foe, it’s time to declare
Music so serene, like a colorful trance
Swords rise up, and men begin to dance
Leaps and hops compliment the bagpipes great cry
Men navigate around the sword, their legs soaring high
Sounds of this conundrum present miles away
Conflict to transpire, leaving the invaders in dismay
Thrills of the pipe make the opposer reprieve
Tunes of such horridness, a common deceive
Peace of the highest the sound often restores
The thought of another listen; we must try to implore
Wailing cries engulf the vast Highlands
Salty tears plague the Scottish drylands
The body of one, the bagpipe failed to save
Here he lies hopelessly in his grave
Sunlight embraces the waning night sky
The bagpipes still played on the day that he died
Spirited rhythm and tone nullify the gloom
As the blue and white flag draped over his tomb
So sad to see that Iain Glass has passed to his rest and reward. I played with him in the Britoil Pipes and Drums in the mid 1980s under Malky Mackenzie and Angus Lawrie. Iain was such a nice fella and very proud of his 214 connection. Other 214 boys in the band at the time were 3 of the MacLennan brothers, John, Donald and Finlay. Sadly, John has passed too. We are all getting older…