Sad to report the passing of Harry McNulty, one of the unassuming heroes of the pipe band world. Those who played under him at Lothian & Borders Police (1976–1982), B Cal./ Scottish Power (1982–1992), all testify to his expertise as a pipe major and musician.
Harry was also central to the work of the William Sinclair & Co pipe making firm, designing and testing chanters for the renowned company throughout his life. Through this work he had a profound influence on pipe bands and soloists.
He taught internationally and in particular in California at the College of Piping School. Everyone who came in contact with him or attended his classes was struck by his gentle nature and quiet insistence of excellence in every aspect of their piping.
We’ll have a fuller obituary for Harry later, but for now sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Angus Award
This year’s visit to the Argyllshire Gathering may not have been Angus MacColl’s most successful, but he certainly had something to celebrate. All his work for piping in the county was formally recognised by the Argyllshire Gathering Trust with the award of the Bruno Schroder Gold Medal.
The citation read: ‘Angus has long been a standard‑bearer for Argyllshire piping, admired for his musicality, leadership, and lifelong dedication to the tradition.
‘For over three decades he has been central to the Trust’s Primary School Piping Scheme. Many of these young players continue into the Oban High School band, founded by Angus in 2005. Today the band includes over 40 pipers and drummers. They were World Champions in 2010 and Champion of Champions 2025.
‘The Argyllshire Gathering Trust is proud to honour Angus’s remarkable contribution to piping, education, and cultural life in Argyll.’
Jeannie Book
Reader Michael Kazmierski Dunn: ‘I saw Jeannie’s [Campbell’s] comment about the new edition coming out soon [Bagpipemakers]. Since I am blind and use screen-reader software, physical print books remain completely inaccessible to me.
‘I would like to ask what options exist for purchasing a direct digital version – such as an accessible PDF with text, Microsoft Word document, or unencrypted ePub – of the new edition upon release? I am more than happy to pay the full commercial price (or any digital licensing fee) directly to the author or publisher. My only goal is to purchase a copy in a format my screen reader can actually read.
‘If the publisher or printer has a pre-press digital file they could make available for purchase under a personal-use arrangement, please let me know who I can contact to arrange payment.’
If anyone can help Michael please let us know and we’ll pass on.
Gunn Pipes
Cristin Mackenzie: ‘I read your very nice obituary for Dr William Richmond whilst trawling through the old Piping Times. I wondered if you could assist in finding Dr William’s old set [of William Gunn pipes]? I’m not interested in purchasing or anything, just documenting. Gunn was a very important figure and his making possibly had an influence on Peter Henderson through the work of Gunn’s apprentice, William MacKinnon.
‘I have also discovered that a lot of the great sets winning the big prizes were made by Peter Henderson in the 1880s, Finlay Johnston and Steven Leask both currently playing sets. Amazing that Steven’s set won a Gold Medal in the 70s and again 50 years later.’
Bill’s wife passed away before he did Cristin but perhaps someone in the family will get in touch. If they do we’ll pass on any information
Pitlochry Games
These are on Saturday and Piping Convenor Ian Rodney has indicated a healthy entry in juniors and seniors. He has also sent an early-stage picture of a new trophy for the winner of the piobaireachd.
The trophy has been donated by Freeland Barber, the famous accordionist and a long-time sponsor of Pitlochry Games. He described the trophy as unique, important, as it is for the performance of unique music. Freeland writes: ‘We have selected some lovely wood from nearby Fincastle – rowan, oak, and beech.
‘The design is nearly complete and will consist of linked panels on a wooden base. These panels will be shaped. The frontispiece of one panel will carry the title of the trophy and the other a bass relief of the famous John McGregor pipes that were played at Culloden and are in the Jacobite Room at Blair Castle.
‘On the back of this panel will be a removable plate on which the winners names, year etc. can be etched. It would be good too to start with the names of the winners since the competition was reinstated.’
A good idea to add the names of the previous winners of the Pitlochry Piobaireachd, re-instituted five years ago with funding from the Piobaireachd Society.
Order your digital edition now…just click here or on picture….
Detroit Highlanders, Barlinnie Highlander… the list goes on…