I have it on good authority that we have seen the last of the Piping Times. If my information is correct, and I have no reason to doubt it, this is more grim news in piping’s grimmest of grim years. It gives me no pleasure at all to write this article. I was editor of the magazine for 15 years from 1999 – 2014. I gave my journalistic best to…

Reader Mario Zuniga writes from Chile: ‘I’m a piper from Chile. I have seen the news about the painting challenge and I would like to participate with my last piper painting, but for this I think I’m out of time. ‘Here I attached a picture for you my first bagpipe’s topic painting. ‘The Lone Piper’, oil on canvas, 70×35 cm. Thanks. Regards from Chile.’ Well done Mario. Pity you missed the Lockdown…

I wonder if the new powers that be at the Competing Pipers’ Association can effect some improvement in the appearance of those who take part in their online competitions? Piping is at such a stage of degradation at the moment that it is distressing to see pipers parading in ‘dress’ which is a visual contradiction of the quality of their music. Dozens, hundreds, perhaps thousands can view these online events….

Firstly today, can anyone name the Pipe Mjor pictured above? He was P/M of a police band, a well known solo piper and winner of many top awards. He also produced a book of tunes and composed a few good ones himself. The man in question had roots in South Uist. Read on for the answer….. Thanks to the reader who reminded me of one crucial aspect of the new…