Last week we had a very interesting little story on Brian Lamond and his lessons with Captain John MacLellan. Brian has kindly forwarded a couple of historic photographs of his boyhood band Inverkeithing and District, the band where his talent was nurtured and encouraged.
Of the photo above Brian says, ‘I am the wee boy in the front rank with my early teacher P/M Jock Innes on my right. Andy Hunter, who was mentioned in your earlier story, is to my left in the front rank. I owe the band everything for starting me off on my career.
‘Having captain John MacLellan as my teacher of course took me to another level and my time with him is something I will never forget.’ As well as becoming a noted solo performer Brian won the Worlds with Victoria Police back in 1998 and now competes round the games, makes reeds and is in regular demand as a tutor.
We sometimes forget the important contribution our bands make in bringing on young talent, teaching boys and girls for free on a weekly basis. This is where the RSPBA’s Pipe Band College could offer some support and assistance with, among other things, Saturday morning classes. There are plenty of Inverkeithings out there just waiting for the call.
Amateur to Pro
Piper Daniel Johnstone is someone who is not afraid to put his name to his views on the Amateur to Pro discussion: ‘I think we need to be careful not to lose sight of what competitive progression actually means. Grade C entry is a competitive grade and entering it inevitably means testing yourself against a stronger and often more experienced field.
‘Nobody should expect to walk into a new grade and immediately be competitive. There is an element of resilience, commitment and hard work involved in finding your feet and establishing yourself. I don’t think the answer is necessarily to lower standards or make the transition easier, but rather to make the pathway clearer and provide opportunities for people to develop and prepare for that next step.
‘Both organisations have an important role to play in the wider piping community. They don’t need to lose their independence, but there is surely scope for greater collaboration. Ultimately, we should be encouraging progression while retaining the competitive standards that give the grades their meaning.
‘One final point from me, regarding travel. We have competitors travelling from Canada, New Zealand and other far fetched places who make the commitment, put in the work and ultimately earn their stripes, achieving some of the highest accolades in the piping world.
‘Travelling eight hours each way to Scotland by car isn’t particularly appealing to me either, but if I want to compete, sometimes that’s the commitment required. I don’t think we can overlook the personal sacrifices that come with competitive ambition, makes it all that much sweeter when a price is won.’
Thanks for sharing your views Daniel.
Troon Recital
P/M Kenny MacLeod writes …. We’re delighted to announce that two of the biggest names in piping and drumming are coming to Troon!
On Friday 27th November, we’ll be welcoming Stuart Liddell MBE and Steven McWhirter to Troon Bowling Club for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music.
Stuart, Pipe Major of four-time Grade 1 World Champions Inveraray & District, is one of the most accomplished pipers of his generation. Joining him is Inveraray’s Leading Drummer, Steven McWhirter, a remarkable 12-time World Solo Drumming Champion.
To have musicians of this calibre performing right here in Ayrshire is something we’re incredibly excited about, and we’re looking forward to sharing the evening with you.
All proceeds will support Troon Caledonia Pipe Band as we prepare for our first season in Grade 3A in 2027.
Alasdair Milne
Sharp eyed reader Francis Chamberlain spotted this letter in the Daily Telegraph the other day:
Sounds typical of Alasdair, Francis. He loved the great music and was Chairman of the now defunct John MacFadyen Memorial Trust. He should have been knighted as was the norm for all retiring Directors General but having fallen out badly with the Iron Lady it wasn’t to be. I think Dr Jack Taylor played at his funeral up in Aberdeenshire.
