MacGillivray of Calrossie, a New Piobaireachd

I have known Duncan MacGillivray [pictured] now for over 35 years, but because of his career with the Battlefield Band and other traditional groups, had heard of him a long time before actually meeting him.

Duncan has been a huge inspiration to many young pipers in the Highlands and is always willing to give them his time freely to teach piping and instruct them in other instruments such as whistles.

By Niall Matheson

He was also a highly respected solo piper and never missed an opportunity for a tune on the boards at the north Highland Games.

This paid off with Duncan winning the Gold Medal in 1997 at the Northern Meeting, an achievement his father, Donald P MacGillivray, also managed 50 years earlier, 1948 to be exact, after tuition from John Macdonald, Inverness.

Duncan’s tune was Menzies Salute and his dad’s the great Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay.

Not many father and sons have managed this notable double. Tom and Iain Speirs come to mind as do Captain John MacLellan and Colin MacLellan.

This latest piobaireachd of mine is a small tribute to Donald, Duncan and his four sons who are also very good pipers and who I was lucky enough to teach through their school days.

Readers are free to download a copy of the music if they wish. Below the tune I play three excerpts on the practice chanter to let people hear how it goes. I would be interested in any feedback. Here’s the tune:

• Niall Matheson is a double Gold Medallist. After distinguished service in the Queen’s Own Highlanders, he was for many years schools piping tutor in Ross & Cromarty and Pipe Major of the school band. He has now retired as a competitor and his expertise and knowledge of all branches of pipe music make him in much demand as a solo judge round the games. Niall is also a noted composer of ceòl mòr with several fine tunes already to his credit.

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