The death has been announced of war hero John Cruickshank VC, Aberdeen. He was 105. Readers will recall the tune competition the Royal Northern & University Club and Piping Press ran for a march to honour Mr Cruickshank’s and his remarkable bravery.
The result was a fine 6/8 by South African composer and piper Dave Mason. It was presented and played to Mr Cruickshank at a dinner in Aberdeen. It deserves to be heard more not only because it is a fine tune, but because of its association with a great hero. Listen to Dave playing his tune:
Read the amazing story of John Cruickshank VC here.
Worlds G2
In all our extensive coverage of the Worlds we failed to mention the Grade 2 Champions, Glasgow Skye and their young P/M, Donald Stewart. Donald was ably assisted by P/Sgt Ross Cowan. Together they produced a terrific sound and playing that has surely catapulted them into Grade 1. This would give Scotland another, much needed, top grade band bringing the total to seven.
We should not forget that only three days before their big win the band had been involved in organising and promoting the sold-out Worlds Week concert featuring Shotts & Dykehead. To everyone involved at ‘the Skye’, a hearty well done.
- Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia have announced Bradley Parker as their new P/Sgt. Bradley (29) from Portavogie, Northern Ireland, was a member of Field Marshal Montgomery from 2014 – 2020, winning three World Championships and many other majors with them. Bradley is currently head of the Piping & Drumming programme at the High School of Glasgow.
Helmsdale Results
This north games took place last weekend. Judge: JD MacKenzie. Piob: 1 Angus MacPhee, Stewart’s White Banner 2 Calum Dunbar, Lament for the Viscount of Dundee 3 Duncan MacGillivray, Big Spree
March: 1 Angus MacPhee 2 Calum Dunbar 3 Arran King
S&R: 1 Calum Dunbar 2 Angus MacPhee 3 Arran King
Jig: 1 Calum Dunbar 2 Duncan MacGillivray 3 Arran King
Confined MSR: 1 Duncan MacGillivray 2 Arran King 3 April Sutherland; Confined Jig: 1 Duncan MacGillivray 2 Arran King 3 Ellie Ferguson; U15 March: 1 Harrison Watt 2 Will Fryer 3 Caalin Rose; U15 S&R: 1 Harrison Watt 2 Caalin Rose 3 Will Fryer; 15-18 M/S&R/Jig: Andrew Sinclair
Lorient Bagads
Following my comments on the cancellation of the band competition at Lorient Festival, Loïc Denis has written: ‘An Irish judge has informed me that an announcement was made stating that there would be no competition this year due to temporary financial problems. This is correct. It should be noted that the groups were present for a free audition lasting approximately 11 minutes. The audience was asked to judge the best performance using a barcode. The Bagad de Vannes won the audience’s vote.’
Irish Judge William Garret: ‘I found the short piece a little inaccurate, and definitely not a beauty pageant. You probably know that the original Championship was cancelled due to the financial position of their association. I take it the festival stepped in and set up the competition/concert alternative as the bagads are such an important part of the tradition and festival. There was certainly no less effort put in by the bagads on their music or quality of performance.’
Book Search
Collector Marco Borzacca has been in touch again: ‘Just a short note to inform you that I have not found the book yet [pictured below], so I kindly ask you to continue the search and spread the word among all your piping friends. I’m willing to raise my offer up to £200 net, hoping this could help locate a nice copy. Please forgive my insistence, but I would really like to get it, since it is the only one I need to complete my collection. I’m extremely grateful for your help.’ Marco’s email: thesnap1951@gmail.com
Weekend Contests
Games today in the Angus Glens at Glenisla, entries on the field by 12 noon. Tomorrow there are games at Lonach, the traditional gathering in Strathdon with £500, £300, £200 in the piobaireachd; three tunes. A full raft of junior and senior events at Glenurquhart in the Great Glen, 10am draw. Finally on Saturday there’s light music at Strathardle Games.
The Competing Pipers’ Association are holding their Bronze Medal contest in the Piping Centre, Glasgow, on Sunday. The winner gains automatic entry to the 2026 Silver Medal at Oban and Inverness. The draw: Andrew Smith, Karen Warren, Andrew Hutton, Gordon Barclay, Daniel Nevans, Kyle Shead, Lewis Maxwell, James Frazer, Norman Gillies, Joshua Chandler, Calum Dunbar, Piers Dover, James Feeney, Alastair Murray, Kristopher Coyle, Callum Carn, Jack Williamson, Alex Gehrig, Bobby Allen, Cameron MacLeod. Starts 10am.
