Author: Robert Wallace

A Historic Worlds for Everyone and in Particular Ian Embelton, Retiring RSPBA Chief Executive

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Tomorrow we’ll witness the first World Pipe Band Championship for three years. It will be a pared down event with the local authority sponsors, Glasgow Life, understandably keen to save money. There will be no Highland dancing, no heavy events and no hospitality tent. Band numbers are down to around 150; usually we break the 200 mark. However this should not be seen as a lack of enthusiasm for the…

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Editor’s Notebook: John MacLellan Dinner/ Alex MacIver Book/ Scottish Championships/ Dunvegan Medal/ Blas Festival

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Douglas Gardiner, President of the Eagle Pipers’ Society: ‘Would you mind publishing that we are closing the sale of tickets for the Captain John MacLellan Dinner at 23.30hrs (BST) on Sunday 14th August? ‘We have been very pleased with ticket sales so far but a few more will ensure our Treasurer can sleep easier.  ‘Tickets are priced £50 and can be bought here. The selected pipers and their tunes are…

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Editor’s Notebook: BAG School/ Inveraray Games/ Judging/ Argylls Book/ US Contest/ British Legion 1971

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I am in Germany for the annual Bagpipe Association of Germany School at Breuberg Castle in the Odenwald about an hour south of Frankfurt. A great team of instructors including drummer Carel Ooms who taught with me in Denmark 25 years ago, and Dixie Ingram, retired RSPBA judge and Scots Guardsman. Dixie has been coming here for 30 years and tells me he is just back from a fortnight at…

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Tobermory Games Results (Comment Added)

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A fine day at Erray Park above Tobermory Bay. Fifteen pipers played in the senior events (13 in the Piobaireachd) and 16 in the juniors. Champion Piper Ben Duncan is pictured above. Judges reported a high standard. Comment on the piobaireachd below. Three tunes were asked for in all senior competitions. Piob: 1 P/M Ben Duncan, Beloved Scotland2 Angus MacColl Snr., I Gave a Kiss to the King’s Hand3 Christopher…

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Tribute Band to Mark Shotts & Dykehead’s Worlds Winning Medley in 1970

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In a little over three weeks I hope to play at the World Pipe Band Championships for the first time in 44 years. I have been asked to be part of a ’70s Tribute Pipe Band’ formed to celebrate the introduction of the pipe band Medley in 1970 and honour the bands that pioneered the format. By the Editor The Tribute band was due to play in 2020 on the…

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