Ronan’s Pictures Final Instalment: JB Robertson, Robert Meldrum, Donald MacLean, James Center

The final instalment today of enhanced piping pictures all courtesy Ronan Maguire former All Ireland Solo Piping Champion and currently a leading member of St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band in Dublin. We are extremely grateful to Ronan for supplying the pictures and making them available for download to Piping Press readers. Use our Search facility to view and download earlier images in this series. Today we begin with P/M JB…

P/M Evan Macrae’s Memoirs and a Touching Tribute from a Former Pupil

Thirty years after his death, P/M Evan Macrae’s memoirs ‘Over the Chindwin to Lochaber – A Scottish Piper’s Memoir’ have been published by his son Duncan. Here he gives us the background to the book and insight into the character of his Gold Medallist father. Duncan’s report is followed by a tribute to Evan from his former pupil, Silver Medallist Moira Robertson (née Morrison). I know you published an article…

Skye Gathering and Piping Competitions at Portree Cancelled for 2021

The prestigious piping competitions held annually at Portree on Skye have been cancelled for the second year in a row. The competitions are traditionally held in the first week of August. Events affected are the Dunvegan Medal and Clasp plus the light music. Piping convenor Cameron MacFadyen: ‘Yes, the games have been cancelled and the piping also. I felt that the cancellation decision had perhaps been made slightly early but…

European Pipe Band Championships Cancelled

The organisers of Piping Inverness, which incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships, has cancelled this year’s event. The Championships were scheduled to take place on Saturday 26th June 2021, but with uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions and following the latest Scottish Government guidance, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), in partnership with event organiser, LCC Live, has cancelled the annual event. By Jen Symington This is the second year that Piping…

More From Donald MacPherson in PP Audio Archive/ Barry Shears Plays his New Composition, The Sailor’s Lament

Just added to the revised Piping Press Audio Archive is the second half of a radio broadcast given by the great Donald MacPherson in 1972. A master of both ceòl beag and ceòl mòr, Donald was probably the best competitive piper of all time with a record of success in both disciplines which is unlikely to be beaten. The broadcast is given added interest in that it is introduced by…