My Father, P/M Robert Reid – Part 5

We continue with our correspondence from Robert Reid jnr. to Jimmy McIntosh. This abridged letter is dated 28th September, 1993. In the firing line are judges and professional pipers…. My father had quite a varied career in that his first job was as a piper and dancer in a music hall company touring Germany before the First World War. Being a champion boy dancer and piper he attracted quite a…

Angus MacColls Recital/ Balmoral Classic Results

The Lewis and Harris Piping Society have announced a recital evening featuring Angus MacColl and his son Angus jnr. Katie Laing reports: ‘The next recital in this winter’s programme will be held on Friday 17th November in the Caladh Hotel in Stornoway at 7.30pm. The guest artists will be Angus D MacColl from Benderloch near Oban, and his son Angus J MacColl. ‘Angus Senior has been a world class piper for…

RSPBA: Regradings, 2023 Major Championships Review, Pipe Band College Suspended

The following excerpts are from the minutes of last month’s Board of Directors’ meeting of the RSPBA. We reproduce them as close to the original as possible without comment. 2024 Championship Update: Chief Executive [Colin Mulhern] spoke about the World Championship and has confirmed dates for 2024 [16/17 August]; Scottish [at Dumbarton] has signed for three years. He is continuing to work with various councils and promoters for the remaining…

Archie Kenneth Quaich/ Talk Piobaireachd/ London Draw

The Piobaireachd Society has announced details of entry for their popular amateur ceòl mòr competition. the Archie Kenneth Quaich. The picture shows the 2023 winner Matthew Kirkwood sporting the winners’ banner. The 32nd competition is on Saturday, 24th February 2024, in the rooms of the Royal Scottish Pipers Society, 127 Rose St South Lane, Edinburgh EH2 4BB, at 9.30am.  Entries and enquiries to: peter.mccalister@doctors.org.uk. Closing date 7th January 2024. Competitors should submit two tunes with…

New Information on Worlds Adjudicator Controversy: Discrepancies in Summary Sheets

The background to the controversial decision to delete one judge’s results at the 2023 World Pipe Band Championships can be revealed today. The Board of Directors of the RSPBA met last week and there was lengthy discussion on the events surrounding the Grade 1 competition on the Friday of the Worlds. The Chairman read out comprehensive notes from the Adjudicator’s Panel Management Board (APMB) minutes regarding the removal of one…