Author: Robert Wallace

New Recording From Donald MacPherson with Reviews of His Performance

Posted on      by     

A new addition today to the PP Audio Archive in the shape of a fine performance by Donald MacPherson of the piobaireachd Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay, writes the Editor. It is a masterful rendering recorded at a concert promoted by the BBC in Glasgow in 1987 and comes to us via his former pupil Donald McBride of Kansas and Donegal. Donald, part of the world-class teaching faculty at next…

More New Recording From Donald MacPherson with Reviews of His Performance

Old Photograph Reveals Distinctive Mode of Dress

Posted on      by     

Following the publication of yesterday’s historic picture from the Inverness Courier, correspondent Duncan Watson, Aberdeen, has sent the one above with the following story….. This photo from the late 1920s was in the Press and Journal [newspaper], under the heading ‘Past Times.’ I don’t know who the piper was. He looks to be a confident sort of person and is turning the corner of the board with a good stride. He…

More Old Photograph Reveals Distinctive Mode of Dress

A Look Back at The Northern Meeting in 1928

Posted on      by     

The British Newspaper Archive can provide an interesting and rewarding few hours for those searching for piping history. Below is the Inverness Courier’s report on the Northern Meeting in 1928. Remember it was held outside in those days, at the Northern Meeting Park close to where the Eden Court Theatre is today. Back then the Meeting was always a couple of weeks later than it is today – to tie in with…

More A Look Back at The Northern Meeting in 1928

PP Editor’s Blog: Ian’s March/ Mod Reminder/ Early Band Contests/ Knox Tour

Posted on      by     

With all his success as a pipe major it is easy to forget what a great solo piper P/M Ian McLellan was –  a winner of all the big light music titles including Former Winners’ MSRs. Ian (above), you may not know, was also taught piobaireachd by Captain Andrew Pitkeathly in the Argylls, but band work took over and he didn’t have time to pursue it. He excelled at march…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Ian’s March/ Mod Reminder/ Early Band Contests/ Knox Tour

PP Academy: Jigs Ain’t What They Used to Be

Posted on      by     

In last week’s references to Duncan Johnstone I deliberately avoided mention of his oft-used description as ‘King of the Jigs’. I don’t know where or how he assumed this epithet but it was one he disliked. He was good at them mind. His was a rounder style, perhaps, given his Barra roots, an island way of handling this much-maligned tune form. Duncan’s presentation was often misinterpreted as straight as a die…

More PP Academy: Jigs Ain’t What They Used to Be