Author: Robert Wallace

Review: UK Pipe Band Championships

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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…

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

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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,…

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Cyril Hall, Zimbabwe

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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…

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Pipers and Tunes at Piobaireachd Society Recital

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The Piobaireachd Society’s annual recital will take place in St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street, Edinburgh, on August 10. It is a black tie event for the pipers and the time is 7 for 7.30pm. The beauty of the recital, entitled ‘Classical Pipe Music – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure’, is that there is no break in sound throughout; there is no tuning in the auditorium, one piobaireachd flows seamlessly into the next….

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Editor’s Notebook: Pipers’ Persuasion/ RSPBA Judges/ McIntosh Scholarship/ Iain Dall Memorial/ Bagad New York

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Allan Hamilton has announced the last of his Pipers’ Persuasion interviews. What a service to piping he has provided. Beginning in 2010, he set about interviewing and filming noted figures in the piping world. Many provided a fascinating insight into what made them tick, how they achieved their success. Now after 15 years and more than 100 interviews, Allan has hung up his camera and microphone. He says. ‘I thoroughly…

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