Dunoon Burgh Hall have issued the following invite – Date: Thurs., 31 July 2025; Time: 6 to 7pm; Dunoon Burgh Hall, 195 Argyll Street, PA23 7DD; Cost: free, but donations welcomed.
‘Join us for the opening of our latest small gallery exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Pipe Major John McLellan 1875 – 1949.
‘Pipe Major John McLellan DCM of Dunoon is also known as ‘John McLellan Dunoon’ and he is one of Scotland’s great pipe music composers who during his life composed more than 170 tunes and songs.
‘His most popular tunes include Lochanside, the Bloody Fields of Flanders, South Hall, Cowal Gathering and the Taking of Beaumont Hamel to name a few.
‘We’re delighted that this opening event / launch will feature a playlet by the Dunoon Players, titled John McLellan at the Pearly Gates.‘
Meanwhile to mark the anniversary piper Graham Waller has composed an additional part to the Bells of Malta, a three part tune by P/M McLellan. Graham writes:
‘I thought I would share this with you as my contribution to the celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary John McLellan’s birth.
‘I have a particular interest in this tune as my wife is Maltese and we visit there frequently. It’s said that Malta has a church for every day of the year!
‘Given that Malta is not even as big as the isle of Wight, I think if you are into churches and some fabulous architecture then it’s definitely the place to visit.
‘I always thought that this particular tune was crying out for a fourth part so my attempt and creating this whilst maintaining the theme is attached.
‘Rather than going for a development leaning on more technicality, I really wanted to evoke the church bells peeling. If you think it’s worthy then please do distribute as you see fit.’
- Read more about this famous piper here.
Easy and Intermediate Level 2/4 Marches
The two-part tunes are suitable for the beginner and the others for those at an intermediate stage of learning – or indeed those returning to piping after many years absence. They are the perfect follow-on to Tutor Books 1 & 2. They are all played in full on the practice chanter by Robert Wallace at both slow speed and then at…
