Author: Alistair Aitken

Lochore Pipe Band and Legendary Drumming Tutor Robert McLaren

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I previously prepared an article about the history of pipe bands in the East of Scotland, which was published on Piping Press in October 2023.  Included in the article were the names of many pipe band leaders and individuals no longer with us who were from the East, or were based there, and who greatly contributed to the development of the SPBA/RSPBA and pipe band music in general.  The article…

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Further Observations on the World Pipe Band Championships 2024

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The publicity for this year’s event referred to Glasgow hosting the Championships in 1948 and continuously since 1986.  The first WPBC under the then SPBA were actually held in Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium in 1947, Cowal having previously been recognised as the World Championship.  For those readers interested in history, 1947 was also the year the Edinburgh International Festival was created, and the first official Tattoo was held at Edinburgh Castle…

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Scottish Pipe Band Championships Review Part 2

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At the Editor’s request I have recorded some thoughts on the Grade 1 performances at the Scottish Championships from a drumming and ensemble perspective.  I would emphasise that the views expressed are personal.  I was standing in a position at the head of the bands.  It is quite possible that things could have been happening at the drum corps end of the bands which I would not see or hear…

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John Hughes 1956-2024

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The pipe band community worldwide has been shocked to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of John Hughes on 21st January 2024.  John had been a high-profile official in the RSPBA, and a recognised figure at major championships and local competitions, for many years.  There have already been many tributes to John for his tireless work for the Association and its Lothian and Borders Branch.  It was particularly unfortunate…

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Do Good Players Make Good Judges or Teachers? – Conclusion

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The judging parameters for solo piping have traditionally been less regulated than those for pipe bands. (There has never been any formal criteria for solo drumming either.)  Nevertheless there are grounds for arguing that the skill requirements for adjudicating solo piping and drumming are much the same as for bands.  With bands, these basic requirements and abilities should apply to every adjudicator, irrespective of discipline, piping, drumming or ensemble.  Some…

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