Malcolm Ferguson’s grandson Colin Moulson has responded to our request for a picture. ‘Sadly we do not believe we have any of him in uniform or in whatever bands he was in post war.
‘The attached does however show some of his action in the First World War. He had a bullet lodged in his neck from being shot (on which occasion we are not sure) whilst leading troops to battle.’
The list is from ‘The Pipes of War’ by Seton and Grant. It makes for poignant reading. It lists the hundreds of pipers who served during WW1, many killed or wounded.
Malcolm Ferguson served in the 9th Battalion The Cameronians. The book relates: ‘The whole band went into action at Loos and suffered so heavily it took months to restore it. In a daylight raid at Arras in February 1917 Corporal Whitelaw and Pipe McGurk [both listed above] played their companions over the top. During the Somme fighting pipers were employed in bringing up ammunition.’
As we approach Remembrance Sunday, you might like to take a moment to think about pipers like Malcolm Ferguson, their sense of duty and their sacrifice. No wonder Donald MacLeod saw fit to name a tune for him. Listen out for the ‘Flowers of the Forest’ at The Cenotaph in London on Sunday from 11am.
Piping Poetry
Andy Hunter, piper, singer and folklorist, responds to last week’s poem…. ‘Well done Keshav. Not only is your poem worthy of publication, you have also succeeded in helping to establish a ‘poets’ corner’ on the blog. Here is a follow-up, a couple of band bus songs I composed recently using well known tunes ‘Pack Up your Troubles’ and ‘Tipperary’:
PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES
Pack up your troubles in your old kilt bag and smile boys, smile
If you are happy with your sheepskin bag, smile boys, that’s the style
What’s the use of worrying, it never was worthwhile
So, pack up your troubles in your sheepskin bag and smile boys smile
IT’S A LONG WAY TO INVERARAY
It’s a long way to Inveraray, it’s a long way to go
It’s a long way to Inveraray, just to have a blow
Farewell Glesca Polis, farewell George’s Square
It’s a long, long way to Inveraray but my heart lies there
City Mural
This from The Times last week: ‘Residents living in a Glasgow neighbourhood are divided over a colourful mural of a piper which has appeared on the side of a tenement building.
‘The artwork — set against a background of the Highlands — covers three storeys of a block on Paisley Road West and was painted by the artist Dan McDermott.
‘Residents have questioned whether Glasgow City Council’s decision to fund the mural through the £1 million given to the city’s wards under the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund is an efficient use of money.’
The residents should wake up to the fact that Glasgow is the world capital of piping and we don’t have enough recognition of that fact. I think Mr McDermott has done a grand job, just a pity he got the hands the wrong way round.
On second thoughts, maybe he was using a photograph of ‘big’ Donald MacLean, or that chap from St Laurence O’Toole, as his reference.
Kiwis at the Worlds
‘12,000 Miles’ is a film featuring four New Zealand bands on their journey to the 2023 Worlds. It will be available free on YouTube from December 2, the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association has announced.
‘We are excited to finally show this spellbinding documentary to the rest of the world,’ RNZPBA Management Board member Stu McHale says.
‘It is all about our story – the highs, lows, challenges, and rewards as these bands pursue their dream of performing at the World Pipe Band Championships, revealing the spirit and commitment that defines New Zealand’s finest.
‘With over 160 musicians from across New Zealand coming together, ‘12000 Miles’ offers viewers a front-row seat to the trials, triumphs, and traditions that define this remarkable journey. Cameras capture the excitement, nerves, and dedication from rigorous rehearsals to moments of reflection, an intimate look at the preparation required to compete on the world stage.’ Watch the trailer here.
