Author: Robert Wallace

P/M Richard Parkes MBE Retires from Field Marshal Montgomery

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The most successful pipe major in pipe band history, Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery, has announced his retirement. In a statement, the band revealed that P/Sgt. Matt Wilson will be taking over as Pipe Major. Richard (62) has won 13 World title, more than any other Pipe Major, and over forty major championships. Richard said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Field Marshal Montgomery. The…

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Editor’s Notebook: Michael Colliery Band/ Solo & Band Season/ Edith MacPherson/ Funeral Details

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Reader Gary Clacher: My dad, Adam Clacher, won the World Solo Drumming Championship in 1959 when he was with the Grade 2 Michael Colliery band. Not sure if this has been done before or since by a Grade 2 leading drummer. I wonder if anyone has any photos of my dad, or the Michael Colliery Band, competing? A long shot but photos seem so hard to find from this time….

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Review: Braemar Gold Medal 2024

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It is seldom that we assemble for breakfast at Braemar the pavilion filled with chat about sun cream. Yet that was the pleasant concern abroad as we judges met for our morning repast. Blue skies, hot sun, pine tree shade, mountain air… and the prospect of some excellent pipe music put a zest into the bacon and eggs and a spring into the heels as we made our way to…

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Editor’s Notebook: Piobaireachd Champions/ Joe Noble’s Funeral/ Scots Guards KO Draw/ Kilberry Castle/ Balmoral Classic/ Games Round-Up

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All congratulations to Alasdair Henderson and Nick Hudson, pictured above, on winning the two major piobaireachd awards of the summer, the Senior Piobaireachd at Oban and the Clasp at Inverness. Both are first time champions at this level. Why are these the highest ceòl mòr awards in world piping? The tunes are from a set list of the most difficult in the canon, your chosen piece is given only 20…

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Leading Drummer Joe Noble 1942 – 2024

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The death had been reported of well-known drummer and former RSPBA adjudicator, Joe Noble. He was 82. Joe had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and died at home in Bearsden, Glasgow. He started his drumming career in the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys’ Brigade. He originally wanted to be a piper but as the company band had a surfeit, and a shortage of drummers, he was encouraged to switch…

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