Author: Robert Wallace

Gordon Stewart Clark  1937-2024

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Gordon Clark, prizewinning piper, games organiser and member of the Atholl Highlanders Pipe Band, has died aged 87. Gordon was born near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire. Being the son of a piper it was always likely he would follow in his dad’s footsteps. And so it turned out. In his early teens Gordon learned from his father in their home near Aberfeldy. Following National Service, Gordon set sail for New Zealand…

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Scottish Pipers’ Association Professional Results, Updated with Pictures and Comment

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The annual professional competition run by the Scottish Pipers’ Association was held at the Piping Centre in Glasgow on Apr. 6th. There were excellent numbers competing. Champion Piper was Ben Duncan (above). Editor Robert Wallace writes: I think it would be fair to say that last weekend the Scottish Pipers’ Association competition regained much of its rightful status as a major piping event. The entry spoke for that as did…

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Editor’s Notebook: Balloch Games/ Over 50s Contest/ Piping Tutor/ Contests and Seminar/ Eilidh’s Trust

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The news that Balloch Games has been scrapped is both disappointing and bewildering. Disappointing because this was always a popular games right at the start of the Glasgow Fair holidays, this year on July 13. Balloch launched a full week of other piping competitions at the likes of Inveraray, Lochearnhead, Tobermory, Luss (before the day was changed), and the island games. It’s bewildering because the crowds at the wee town…

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Major Gordon Rowan Retires as Director, with the Army School Forging Ahead

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Major Gordon Rowan is due to retire as Director of Army Bagpipe Music in May. Yesterday he oversaw his final Pipe Major’s Course passing out. He can be proud of his very well schooled candidates At the bench were myself, Pipe Major Gordon Walker and Callum Moffat, the new Director of the Army’s Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, writes the Editor. Seven pipers played. They had to submit six 6/8…

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Editor’s Notebook: Johnstone Pipe Band/ 1923 Clasp/ John MacColl/ DJ Contest/ Colin’s Pipes

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We appreciate P/M Keith Bowes senior forwarding this picture of the Johnstone Pipe Band. It features Pipe Major Craigie Calder, author of the recently reported tape featuring information on Bob Reid and a short excerpt of John MacColl’s playing. Keith tells me that the band was formed in 1943 during WW2 its purpose being to march Home Guard units round the town raising morale and money. Those in the picture…

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