History: RG Lawrie Limited, Master Pipemakers Whose Instruments Are Much Sought After

We have recently run history articles mentioning the famous Peter Henderson pipemaking firm. Equally renowned are the instruments of their rivals, RG Lawrie. Before he passed away Jimmy McIntosh forwarded to our editor the following article. In an accompanying note Jimmy wrote, ‘I had lunch one day in Stirling with Arthur Lawrie and he gave me this history of the RG Lawrie company. I think it is very interesting and…

History: Iconic Bagpipemaker Peter Henderson’s Catalogue from the 1930s Part 2

We continue with our look at the Peter Henderson catalogue from the 1930s. It has a full page on how to make your own bag seasoning. In these days everyone played either sheepskin or hide bags. There were few proprietory brands of seasoning. Of those that did exist, Robertson’s ‘Airtight’ was the market leader. The recipe for this mixture was bought by John Weatherston of RG Hardie & Co in…

History: Peter Henderson, the Iconic Bagpipe Maker

The following is taken from a 1930s catalogue of the famous Glasgow firm of pipe makers…… To our customers we offer this our latest catalogue, hoping that the confidence and goodwill which has for so long existed may continue in the future. To prospective customers we hope this catalogue will prove of value to them and lead to business associations that will be to our mutual advantage. To old friends…

Upbeat Message from RSPBA Chairman Augurs Well for Forthcoming Pipe Band Season

The Chairman of the RSPBA, Kevin Reilly, has issued a stirring rallying call to all competing bands encouraging them to pull out all the stops for the forthcoming season. Mr Reilly said it was time to put the past two years behind us, time to repair the damage, time to rediscover the music and friendship inherent in the pipe band movement. He spoke as the Association announced the availibility of…

Aboyne Highland Games Set For August Return

After an absence of three years, organisers have confirmed that Aboyne Highland Games will be held this August, writes Ian McLaren. The traditional Royal Deeside event, which attracts up to 10,000 visitors, will take place on Saturday, 6 August.  It will mark the first time since 2019 that the games has been staged, after being cancelled for the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aboyne Green will come to…