Scott Bennett replies to last week’s article on the College of Piping band. He writes: Yes that was Evan MacKay behind the pipe major in photo of the CoP band in Brittany in 1953.
And if you look very carefully you can see me – the small boy behind the Pipe Sergeant. The P/Sgt was none other than the renowned accordionist of Mishnish Hotel, Tobermory, fame, Bobby MacLeod.
Bobby composed the popular 6/8 march named after Seumas MacNeill. Seumas can be seen to the rear of the band on the left. Ludovic Black with characteristic slope of head towards the drones, is near the back, and Gaelic enthusiast Rab Sharples is in front with friend Roy Campbell.
Finlay MacNeill was there but can’t be seen as he was assigned the big drum! Finlay won the 1971 Gold Medal at Oban playing Lament for John Garve MacLeod of Raasay.
Great days and a great effort by Seumas and the College turning up at the Celtic Congress in Brest.
Inveraray Dinner
World Champion pipe band Inveraray are holding a dinner dance to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Date: Monday 11th August 2025; Time: 7.30pm; Place: Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow, G2 3HN; Cost: £75pp; Dress: Black-tie
Blurb: ‘You will be welcomed with a drink, followed by a three-course meal interspersed with speeches. After dinner, you will be treated to a performance from the band
‘There will be an Argyll-style ceilidh and disco. Throughout the evening, we will be running a silent auction. All profits from the night will be split between the band and ‘Chris’s House’, a charity close to the hearts of all at IDPB.’
Tickets: https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/idpb-20th-anniversary-ball
Balvenie Medal
This medal is awarded every year at the Glenfiddich Piping Championship ‘for services to piping’. The piping public can put names forward. Organiser Helen Urquhart: ‘Anyone in the worldwide piping community is welcome to nominate a suitable candidate for the Balvenie Medal.
‘Nominations should be submitted in writing (email or post) to: hurquhart@thepipingcentre.co.uk or by post to: The National Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater Street, Glasgow, G4 0HW.’
