Category: Blog

Happy Hogmanay/ Piper in Austria/ Pipe Band Ship Launch/ Eagle Pipers 1970

Posted on      by      1 Comment

There are many good reasons to enjoy Hogmanay this evening not least of which is that when numbskull politicians dictate we should do something it is wise to carry on as before. Piping at ‘the Bells’ in your home is perfectly safe and outside cheering up the neighbours even safer. Cancelling Hogmanay is the sort of torture no true Scot should have to endure. It’s on a par with the…

More Happy Hogmanay/ Piper in Austria/ Pipe Band Ship Launch/ Eagle Pipers 1970

Tales of the Muirheads from the 1960s and Some Humorous Recollections

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Gordon Ferguson, a Worlds-winning member of the legendary Muirhead & Sons Pipe Band in the 1960s, continues his trip down memory lane with a look back at some humourous moments from his time with the band. In the picture above, the band pose after completing five-in-a-row World titles at Perth in 1969. P/Sgt Andra Dowie is standing, second from the right. Andrew Dowie, ‘big Andra’, was Pipe Sergeant when I…

More Tales of the Muirheads from the 1960s and Some Humorous Recollections

Donald Morrison Archive: A Final Look at His Music, Newspaper Clippings and Letters

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

This will be our final instalment from Donald’s archive for now. It ties in neatly with the publication of his book of tunes announced last week (above). For earlier articles in this series type ‘Donald Morrison’ in our search field. We begin with another letter from Seton Gordon, the piping judge, naturalist and friend of royalty. It is dated November 6, 1973 and he writes to Donald from Upper Duntuilm,…

More Donald Morrison Archive: A Final Look at His Music, Newspaper Clippings and Letters

Irish PBA Produce Five Year Plan and Re-work Constitution and Teaching Manuals/ Blackthorn Pipers/ Balmoral Teaching Weekend

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

I have for some time been copied into communications which the Irish Pipe Band Association issue to their member bands, writes Gilbert Cromie. Recently I received a number of documents which have been sent out for consideration and discussion ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting which is scheduled to take place via Zoom on the 22nd January 2022 at 2.00pm. The IPBA, like its RSPBA NI Branch neighbours, have…

More Irish PBA Produce Five Year Plan and Re-work Constitution and Teaching Manuals/ Blackthorn Pipers/ Balmoral Teaching Weekend

Northern Ireland Approves Reduced Season of Pipe Band Contests for 2022

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

The 71st Annual General Meeting of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (Northern Ireland) Branch took place on Saturday 27th November 2021. Representatives of seventeen member bands were in attendance along with Kevin Reilly and Brian MacMahon, the Chairmen of the RSPBA and the Irish Pipe Band Association respectively. Members heard that the Branch had facilitated a well-attended Zoom meeting of Pipe Majors and Leading Drummers on Monday 25th October at 7.30pm…

More Northern Ireland Approves Reduced Season of Pipe Band Contests for 2022