New Book Available on John Macdonald, Inverness

The Piobaireachd Society and author John Shone have published a new book ‘Life, Times and Music of John Macdonald, Inverness’. It is considered an important work in that it contains previously unseen correspondence and the manuscript book of the man described by Sheriff JP Grant, Rothiemurchus thus: ‘Those who have heard him playing the ancient classical music of the Great Highland pipe will, if they have a spark of music…

Virginia Tattoo Band Championship/ Maj. Gen. David McDowall CBE

The North America Pipe Band Championship was held at Scope Plaza, Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, writes Alli Pereira. Weather was perfect for piping, 78 degrees (25C), with frequent cloud cover…until Massed Bands and the Senior Drum Major saying ‘By the right, quick march’. Suddenly a monsoon happened as if commanded by the D/M! Massed bands was cut off swiftly and we were able to scramble indoors to…

Honouring Piper Daniel Laidlaw VC, WW1’s Piper of Loos

The Ancre Somme Association Scotland Charity has launched a project to have a bronze bust of Piper Daniel Laidlaw VC ‘The Piper of Loos’ unveiled in his home village of Swinton, Berwickshire, writes Kevin McLean. The planned date for the unveiling is 25th Sept this year. This marks the 110th anniversary of Daniel going over the top at the Battle of Loos in 1915.  We have gained the support of…

Wheel of Fortune and Lochaber Juniors Results

Sarah Muir is the 2025 winner of the Pipe Major’s Wheel of Fortune competition, winning the medley element of the innovative contest. Ross Miller was second and Cameron Drummond third, writes Paul White. Cameron won the MSR, with Brian Lamond winning the prize for best joke. Sarah is pictured above on her way to winning the Medley. The other competitors in a posse of elite pipers were Sandy Cameron, John…

John McLellan Exhibition /Virginia Tattoo

From Thursday, July 31st to August 30th, the Burgh Hall in Dunoon will feature a small exhibition highlighting the life and achievements of Pipe Major John McLellan DCM in celebration of his 150th Anniversary, write the organisers. The exhibition will feature a few of Jock’s personal items from his long and distinguished military career as a piper with the Highland Light Infantry and the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, including a…