Reading Duncan Watson’s article on Bob Nicol I thought, ‘they don’t make ’em like that any more’. Quite a character. To be a good teacher you must have a clear vision of how a tune should be played and RB Nicol clearly had that. Too many alternatives and the student becomes confused.
But there is more to the man. When all we hear is of Nicol’s teaching we tend to forget what a brilliant player he was too. No wonder he was such a stickler for clean, professional technique – not the clunky, heavy fingered movements we hear and have heard, but clean and crisp and contributing to the music rather than detracting from it.
I only met the man once – in the bar of the Caledonian Hotel during the Northern Meeting in the mid-70s – so my opinion of his playing is based on recordings. Norman Matheson and I went through dozens when we were doing the ‘Masters of Piobaireachd’ CDs.
Bob Nicol could play alright and this would be one reason why John MacDonald accepted him and Bob Brown for their long series of lessons in the 1920s and 30s.
And this is a further point that needs emphasising, and one which comes across clearly in the ‘Masters’: the Bobs went to Macdonald when he was in his prime as a tutor and was able to give them of his best.
The depth and precision of his lessons, the undisputed integrity of his sources, gave them the confidence to assume responsibility for passing on the traditional teaching Macdonald could trace back to the MacCrimmons.
Recitals Tonight
Ben Duncan is in recital tonight in Inverness. Les Hutt reports: ‘Inverness Piping Society are continuing to meet at Inverness Golf Club. In addition to the monthly meetings which see around eight players across the ages playing a selection, this Friday will see the Society’s first recital of 2026.
‘One of the top current competitors, Ben Duncan, will play for us with the evening starting at 7.30pm. Local piper Grace Kelman will open the night. Tickets are available at Ben Duncan Piping Recital Tickets, Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite or on the door.’
Another recital this evening is at Airdrie Working Men’s Club in Lanarkshire where Stuart Liddell and Cameron May are in the spotlight, ably supported by a quartet from Shotts & Dykehead. This is heading for a 200 seat sell-out so get there early. All profits go towards the new book of tunes highlighting Lanarkshire composers and those linked with the Cameronians, the county regiment. Remaining tickets at the door.
RSPBA Website
Despite last week’s assurance, further delays have held up the transition to a new website for the RSPBA. Time is getting short for the 2026 season’s entries so there will be pressure to get the site ‘live’ as quickly as possible.
However it is best to make sure everything is as it should be before presenting things to the pipe band community. Get it wrong and there will be chaos. I’m not sure why they didn’t keep the old site live whilst doing the work on the new one in the background.
Solo Judging
Duncan Watson: ‘I neglected to wind up yesterday’s article with a further comment on solo judging. An anonymous person referred to as JW seems to feel that there are problems in solo piping which he describes as having ‘got worse’. It seems he was tempted to add to his comments, but chose not to do so as they may have revealed his identity.
‘It is fairly obvious that JW is not alone, with other comments in media outlets where the contributors wish to remain anonymous, fearing consequences. This is not a healthy situation as it seems there is a clear lack of trust involved in the administrators of solo piping and for that matter pipe bands. Doubtless, this may be denied, but I have heard this sort of thing before and can understand the concern.’
Balvenie Medal
Helen Urquhart of the Piping Centre: ‘We are now taking nominations for the 2026 Balvenie Medal for services to piping. These will be accepted until 31st March.
‘A committee consisting of representatives of the William Grant Foundation and the Centre, plus two external members, will then consider all nominations. These should highlight a person’s contribution to piping and should be submitted through the form on the Glenfiddich page on the NPC website or by post to: Helen Urquhart, National Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater Street, Glasgow, G4 0HW.’
‘Highland Bagpipe Music’ by Donald Morrison – digital book
This book was first produced shortly before Donald died in 1988. Languishing out of print, it surfaced in 2021 following contact between Piping Press editor Robert Wallace and Donald’s daughter Sheona. Sheona agreed that it should be offered to the piping public once more at nominal cost, the aim being to preserve her father’s musical legacy. Donald Morrison was the complete piper a fine teacher, composer and soloist. He won the Gold Medal, the Bratach Gorm and many other top…
