John Mulhearn: I was wondering if you might be able to post something about the upcoming event at the ‘Aye Write’ book festival at which myself and Richard McLauchlan will be discussing our new books? The event is this Sunday, November 9, and the copy reads:
‘…….. two fellow pipers discuss their books and enjoy a tune or two….Richard McLauchlan is our guide to the fascinating history of the bagpipes, sharing stories from his new book ‘The Bagpipes: A Cultural History’. Although commonly associated with Scotland, the pipes are played across the globe, illuminating societies in remarkable and unexpected ways….
‘John Mulhearn discusses his new book, ‘Let Piping Flourish’. A love letter to Glasgow’s rich piping heritage, this hardback volume showcases 230 tunes from more than 100 composers, with a wealth of photographs and historical anecdotes…. Part archive, part anthology, part tribute, it’s the first tune book of its kind.’ Tickets for ‘Aye, Right’ here.
We have already carried a review of Richard’s book (by Michael Grey) and you can read it again here.
John’s is a weighty tome (302 pages), not to be carried about, but perfect for the coffee table. It is beautifully laid out on high quality paper. Interspersed with the tunes is a wide range of anecdotes and photographs.
They feature the individuals and institutions who made Glasgow the centre of world piping. There’s Strathclyde Police Pipe Band and P/M Ian McLellan for instance, the 214BB, the RSPBA, the SPA, Robert Reid, RG Hardie, Donald MacLeod and, of course, the College of Piping.
John touches on the rivalry between the College during and after the founding of the Piping Centre. As an employee of the latter he would be reluctant to report on the shenanigans that went on behind the scenes even if he knew of them, so unsurprisingly he leans heavily to McPhater at the expense of Otago. The real story is for another day……
In all his book is a wonderful gather-up of what this once great city – where I sit writing this morning – has given to our music and our instrument.
John will be at the Piobaireachd Society Conference in March to talk about his book. It is available priced £45 here.
Kyle Warren Book
If you are a pipe major hunting for tunes for your 2026 medley then now’s the time to get your copy of Kyle Warren’s third book, ‘Play’. Eight hornpipes, 17 jigs, 10 reels and a dose of other stuff, there’s sure to be something fresh and original that will suit your band.
Kyle is a former member, and five times Worlds winner, with Field Marshal and is now a full time teacher. The book is well laid out in A4 portrait. It is priced £22 and is available here.
Kiwi Bands
Liam Kernaghan and Peter Duncan have been re-elected to the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association Management Board.
President Kernaghan said: ‘Our focus is on supporting bands and helping Kiwi pipers and drummers develop the skills they need to succeed…. 2025 has been busy for the Association, and there has been no shortage of opportunities to support our member bands.’
NZ bands recently voted overwhelmingly to replace the Grade 4B MSR requirement with a March set. 74% of member bands voted in favour of the change. It could be in place in time for 2026 National Championships at New Plymouth on March 20/21.
Roy Gunn
John Gunn writes from Caithness: ‘Roy has just turned 95 and manages to play a piobaireachd most days. We have a WhatsApp group for the extended family and they were wondering if he is the oldest piobaireachd playing piper around. Any ideas?’
Delighted to hear that John and please pass on my best regards to Roy. A remarkable man! Jimmy McIntosh was another who played right into his 90s. There’s nothing like the bagpipe and piobaireachd for instilling longevity.
Does any reader know of any other piper still enjoying piping in later life? Please forward any pictures and a story.
