Following his article this week (read it here), I asked Yves Tison in Brittany to send over recordings of his drones fitted with elder reeds and one with ‘normal’ reeds. Yves writes: ‘The first recording is called mixed reeds and is recorded from my Alexander Glen 1847 set of pipes (Patrick Molard has a replica). Strangely the starting of drones has three steps before getting the right tone, not double tone, but…

It is with sincere regret that we report the passing of one of the leading pipers of the 20th century, Hugh MacCallum. Hugh was aged 76 and had been ill for a few months. Hugh was a winner of multiple solo titles including both Gold Medals, Former Winners MSRs five times, the Open Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering six times and four Clasps at Inverness. He was also a six…

A very sensible comment by drummer John Scullion may have slipped your notice. John was talking about my article on band sizes. Here’s what he wrote: ‘What’s wrong with a max of 25 pipers to sign for a band and 20 being the max number to compete?‘If you want to sign another piper, one has to leave, and the same for the following: 12 snares max for signing, max competing…

By Robert Wallace The bands made the best of the cold, unwelcoming conditions at St James’ Playing Field last Saturday. It is an off-putting sort of place if truth be told. No trees, no shelter of any kind, motorway roar, airport roar, and otherwise lacking in character. If we are to go to the King George V playing fields in nearby Renfrew for 2020 so much the better. The day…

RSPBA Chairman John Hughes has offered support and encouragement to all bands participating in today’s first major of the season, the British at Paisley. Mr Hughes (pictured below) said: ‘On the day of the first Major Championship of the season, I hope you are all feeling satisfied with the hard work and determination that has gone in over the winter. ‘I know a number of you have managed to get…