Author: Robert Wallace

A Scorching Day at the Worlds and a Scorching Performance from Field Marshal Montgomery

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I sat through all of the Grade 1 band performances on the Friday at the Worlds. I sought refuge at the back of the south-facing stand where overhanging trees afforded a little shade from oppressive sunshine. It meant I was further away from the action. Bear that in mind when you read my comments. A few general points on the two days. Firstly Glasgow Life need to get a life…

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Solo Piping Adjudicator Seriosuly Wounded in Highland Shooting

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Solo piping judge John Don MacKenzie (circled) was shot and seriously wounded in yesterday’s violent incident in the the Highlands which left one man dead and three injured. John Don, an osteopath, was attacked in his home village of Dornie, Wester Ross. He is receiving treatment in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. His wife Fay, a mental health nurse, was also injured in the attack and is being treated at a hospital…

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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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