History: Pipers, Piping and Pipe Music in the Seaforth Highlanders 1778 -1924

Today we begin abridged excerpts from the above book by Ian Hamilton Mackay Scobie. The book was published in 1924 and is now out of print. It contains interesting details on the origins of titles such as ‘Pipe Major’ and the author also comments on drums drowning out pipes, questions whether playing in a band helps the piper’s playing and gives a date for the formation of the first pipe…

PP Ed's Blog: Glenfiddich/ B Cal Airways Band/ Harry McNulty/ Joe Wilson

Thanks for all the comments regarding the Glenfiddich competition. I hear that the tuning wasn’t too bad this year and that may have been something to do with the positioning of a clock by which the competitors could perhaps gauge the time spent adjusting the drones. Only one small step now and we could have lights and a huge improvement in listeners’ enjoyment. In particular, think how the livestream experience…

PP Ed’s Blog: Glenfiddich/ Strachur/ Bobby MacLeod/ Scots Guards KO

‘Charlie’ posted a comment on the Glenfiddich results report asking if I will be doing a critique on this year’s performances. The answer is no Charlie. They don’t invite me I’m afraid. The last time I was there, in 2014, I had to ask for a press pass. People might not realise it but behind all the smiles and bonhomie on display ….. My report that year mentioned that the…

Glenfiddich Championship Results, tunes added

The Glenfiddich Champion for 2017 is Jack Lee from British Columbia. He was placed first  in ceol mor and second in MSR to take the overall title. Runner-up overall was Roderick MacLeod with Angus MacColl in third. The annual competition was held as usual in the Great Hall at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. Those unable to travel to the event were able to watch it on a livestream over the internet. Piobaireachd…

Bratach Gorm and London Draw Published

The prestigious London Championship takes placer at the Kensington Conference Centre next Saturday (November 4). As always the competition has attracted a large entry with many pipers travelling from Scotland and a significant number flying in from North America and elsewhere. The main competition for the Bratach Gorm begins at 8.30am: 1 Andrew Carlisle 2 William McCallum 3 Finlay Johnston 4 Roderick MacLeod 5 Alasdair Henderson 6 Callum Beaumont 7…