Editor’s Notebook: Singer Pipe Band/ Solo Judging/ Stirling Recital and Contest/ NZ National Youth Pipe Band

Thanks to reader David Moore for the above picture of Singer Pipe Band, Clydebank. David was mentioned in last week’s article along with two other ex-members, George McEwan and Murdo MacLean. David writes:

I knew both George and Murdo well as we all lived in the same area along with many other Singer employees. George and myself played with Pipe Major Maurice Pert at Duthie Park, Aberdeen, in 1970 winning the 3rd Grade World Championship, but Murdo may have missed that day.

Currently I am playing pipes with the Dumfries band, Pipe Major Alan Maltman. Those in the picture are: Back row from left: David Moore (Singer employee), Ian ?, Alex Clapperton (ex-214 BB and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), Albert (Somerville ?), George McEwan (Singer employee), Joe ?, Willie Gough (Singer employee).

Front row: P/M Maurice Pert (he had lessons from Donald MacLeod and was a Singer employee), David Lamb (Singer employee), Wallace Bratton (Singer employee), D/M Willie Pert, John ?(Dumbarton), Davie ?, Brian Playfair, Archie Rennie (Dumbarton). Lead drummer George Davidson is missing.

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Solo Piping
More responses to this week’s article on solo piping judging. Craig MacKenzie: ‘A beautifully well-balanced and thoughtful letter from Norman Matheson (PP 14 Jan). I’m reminded of one of my favourite quotes: ‘To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable’. Attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven, a man who I believe knew a thing or two about music…..’

‘JW’ wrote: ‘I totally agree with the Editor, Neil [Mulvie] and Duncan’s comments. There is no better judge than a very experienced person with years of playing at the highest level and having sound success in these competitions. To be a Senior Judge you should have this sort of track record so the performer playing in front of you has the greatest respect and confidence in your judgement.’

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Stirling Contest & Recital
Craig Muirhead: The next Stirling Piping Recital is arranged for Friday, 6 March 2026 at the King Robert Hotel. The players are Ben Duncan and Iain Speirs so we are destined for a seriously good night of piping. £10 at the door; 7.30 start.

I am also very pleased to announce the first Stirling Junior Piping Competition which will take place the following day, again at the King Robert. The only disappointment for me is that the contest will take place on the same day as the Uist and Barra in Glasgow, but I am at the mercy of the hotel who are extremely supportive in building a piping scene in my home town. 

Contest events are: 13 & Under Chanter (March), 13 & Under Chanter (Slow Air), U18 Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey & Reel and Jig.

If any youngster and their parents would like to attend the recital, which I highly recommend, and then stay over and compete on the Saturday, they should phone the King Robert Hotel directly. They are offering a special B&B rate for that night. The same applies to any spectator who would like to make a weekend of it. King Robert Hotel: 01786811666. Competition entries via stirlingpiping.weebly.com. Any questions, please contact me on craigmuirhead90@hotmail.co.uk.

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NZ National Youth PB
Youth Band Director Stuart Easton writes: Auditions for the 2026 National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand are now open. This is the chance for our players to join other up-and-coming Kiwi pipers and drummers in a programme which will provide opportunities to perform right around New Zealand and the world.

The current band has 26 players, with an age limit of 23. Applications close on Sunday, 8 February with successful applicants being informed shortly thereafter. Players who are interested in applying can find the application form here.
  
The NZ Youth band had finished recording its first album, with a release date expected in the next couple of months.

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