Editor’s Notebook: Uist & Barra/ Airdrie Recital/ London Irish Rifles/ Singer Pipe Band/

The first major solo contest of the year, the Uist & Barra Invitational, has been confirmed for March 7.

As before, it will be held at the Piping Centre in Otago Street. The competition is under new management and it looks as though they have hit the ground running.

Invites to a dozen or so pipers have already been sent out and they are merit-based. They include both 2025 Gold Medallists Brodie Watson-Massey and Steven Leask and the winner of the Silver Chanter, Sandy Cameron – and Finlay Johnston who was surprisingly omitted from last year’s line up.

Unlike recent years, I hear the superb and historic U&B trophies (see pic above) will be available for both winners and photographers at the end of proceedings.

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Airdrie Recital
I’m told the Peter MacLeod Memorial Recital has sold north of 70 tickets. It features Stuart Liddell and Cameron May, plus a quartet from Shotts & Dykehead. The event is on Feb 13 in Airdrie Working Men’s Club, postcode ML6 6BN, 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets here are £20/ £15.

All proceeds will go towards the publication of a new book of pipe music commemorating the Cameronians, the Lanarkshire Regiment, in which Peter MacLeod, the famous composer, served.

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London Irish Rifles
LIR Piper Kylie Barnes has sent this: ‘The London Irish Rifles Association Bugles, Pipes and Drums have recently moved to a new location in Penge, south-east London. We have a history of over 150 years. In days past the band were serving soldiers, but is now made up of volunteers. 

‘We are seeking pipers and drummers of all ages and abilities who are around South London who are willing to join us and help us grow. We have an experienced core of dedicated musicians but are in need of new recruits. 

‘We perform at various events during the year, St Patrick’s Day, Remembrance Day, combining with Irish regiments at the Cenotaph, and many other civil and military events.

‘Full uniform is provided, and the band is supported by the Regimental Association, therefore we don’t ask for any subscriptions from members. We pay expenses for any events that we play at. We also have private hires which are paid at the appropriate rates. For further details please contact the band President Maj (Retd) Lance Cheese at bandpresident@londonirishrifles.com.’

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Singer Pipe Band
Reader ‘Mac’: ‘Hi, just read an old article you have regarding the singer pipe band. My dad was a piper for many years in the band. He was George McEwan, from the Hardgate [Clydebank]. Two soldier friends in the band were Murdo MacLean and David Moore.

‘I have several memories including a small cup, a memento when they won at the World Championships Grade 3.’

Can any reader elaborate on the three pipers named? The picture above (perspective altered) shows the band in its early days with the iconic factory clock behind.

The clock and its tower dominated the industrial town of Clydebank up to its demolition in 1963. Old time Bankies like myself will remember it.

There’s another connection with piping. Singer’s sewing machine factory was where Donald MacPherson bought his wonderful bagpipe from a workmate – for £15.

In his interview with me back in May 1998 Donald recalled: ‘The pipes I play I got from a chap who worked with me in Singer’s in Clydebank when I was working in the toolroom there in the early 1950s.

‘We got talking about bagpipes and he said he had a set that he didn’t use. He asked me if I had my own pipes and I said no, I used my father’s. So he sold me his for £15. Bob Hardie fitted a narrower bottom section to the bass…they had a beautiful sound. Bob also gave me a dozen chanters to choose from….’

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