Donald Morrison Archive: Downpour at the Northern Meeting 1930

The following is from a clipping from the Inverness Courier found in Donald’s papers. The headlines read ‘Great Washout at Northern Meeting’, ‘Disastrous Effect of Ceaseless Deluge’, ‘Handful of Spectators Watch the Games’ and ‘Balmoral Ghillie’s Piping Triumph’. In these days the Meetings were held out of doors in the Northern Meeting Park. The report goes on: Rain ruined the Northern Meeting Gathering which opened at Inverness today, even more…

Significant Correspondence and Response to Focal Dystonia Request/ New Drum Instructor for CMU

A request for information on focal dystonia from one of our Australian readers, Ken MacDonald, has prompted a good deal of interest and response, some already carried in our comments section but repeated here. Clive Douglas: ‘Good to hear some positive comments regarding focal dystonia. I’ve suffered for over 30 years and I’ve never managed to overcome the condition. I noticed a woman called Ruth Chiles claims to be able…

Donald Morrison Archive: The Frost of Suspicion Before John MacDonald Arrives on South Uist

We conclude this story on the revival of the piping tradtion on South Uist. This is from the archive of the late Donald Morrison. Readers might like to refresh the memory by reading the first part of this anonymous article here. Given that this excerpt mentions the ‘late’ John MacDonald, Inverness, it must date from the late 1950s or 60s. P/M MacDonald is pictured above in a rare photograph taken…

Tonight! In Glasgow! Come and Listen to Some Superb Piping/ Cycle for Tommy – Finlay and Gordon Have Made It!

The Piobaireachd Society’s annual recital ‘Classical Pipe Music – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure’ takes place tonight, August 29, in the National Piping Centre’s Otago Street building in Glasgow. Time is 7 for 7.30pm.  Society President Robert Wallace: ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to hear four expert pipers tackle music of real quality. ‘Half of the programme is made up of modern tunes and the other of classic tunes in the repertoire.’…

Lochaber Gathering Results

This prestigious competition was held today, August 27, in the Highland Cinema, Fort William. Sponsors were the Moidart Trust and PF Charitable Trust. The P/A MSR, Hornpipe & Jig and 6/8 March were held outside the cinema under a canopy. There was a strong entry in B/C events. P/A Piobaireachd1 Ben Duncan, MacDougall’s Gathering 2 Sandy Cameron, End of the High Bridge 3 Cameron Macdougall, Old Men of the Shells…