Author: Robert Wallace

150th Anniversary Gold Medal at Oban

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

As we approach August, the piping side of things for this year’s Argyllshire Gathering is in a pretty good place, writes Piping Steward John Campbell. Torquil Telfer deserves most of the plaudits on that score.  This year is a very special one for the Oban Gold Medal. Here is some information about it and a few photos. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Highland Society of London Gold Medal…

More 150th Anniversary Gold Medal at Oban

Editor’s Notebook: William Fraser & Bob Brown/ Desperate Battle Event/ Newtonards Contest/ Weekend Solos

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

I discovered this old picture in a rummage through the PP library. It is of one William Fraser the man who started Bob Brown on the chanter. Little did he know the favour he was doing piping. Brown went on to have further lessons from P/M George Allan [he of the Donald MacLeod hornpipe] and then John MacDonald, Inverness, and the rest you know, or should know. Jimmy McIntosh’s excellent…

More Editor’s Notebook: William Fraser & Bob Brown/ Desperate Battle Event/ Newtonards Contest/ Weekend Solos

Review: UK Pipe Band Championships

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

In many respects the Royal Highland Show grounds at Ingliston are ideal for a pipe band championship. Plenty of space for tuning, parking. However the site is very exposed. Wind and rain and there would be a distinct lack of shelter. Fortunately last Saturdays UK Championships were held in perfect conditions: bright sunshine with a cooling breeze. Engine noise from the nearby Edinburgh Airport was a minimal distraction. By Robert…

More Review: UK Pipe Band Championships

Editor’s Notebook: Champion of Champions/ Glass Chanter/ Ross Miller/ Inveraray Draw/ Book Search

Posted on      by      2 Comments

My view is that the RSPBA should have cancelled the Grade 1 contest at the Ingliston UKs tomorrow. It really is no contest at all when there are only three bands taking part. Nor does it do these bands any favours guaranteeing them Champion of Champions points for turning up. Should they place well in the final CoC tables they will always be condemned for their ‘UK appearance points’. No,…

More Editor’s Notebook: Champion of Champions/ Glass Chanter/ Ross Miller/ Inveraray Draw/ Book Search

Cyril Hall, Zimbabwe

Posted on      by      7 Comments

I rose this morning to learn of the passing of Cyril Hall, Zimbabwe. His friend Aiton Shepherd wrote from Western Australia: ‘Cyril died last night in Mutare.  ‘His eldest son, Bobby, who lives here in Perth, phoned with the sad news. I admit to a few tears. The attached photo [above] was taken by Craig Sked a few years ago at the 100 Guineas solo piping competition in Johannesburg.  By the…

More Cyril Hall, Zimbabwe