Category: Blog

History: Pipe Bands in the East of Scotland Over the Years – Part 2

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The decline of the coal mining industry in Scotland between the late 1950s and 1980s resulted in the loss of most of the former colliery bands, a mainstay of competitions during their existence.  This had a significant affect on the East of Scotland which had had many colliery bands in the Lothians and Fife. Pictured above in 1974 are the former Grade 1 band, Polkemmet Colliery. To that problem we…

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Helensburgh Results

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A professional solo contest was held yesterday, October 15, in Helensburgh, a town on the Firth of Clyde, west of Glasgow. It was a replacement event for the cancelled Rosneath Games and was part sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society. ‘A’ Piob: 1 Darach Urquhart 2 Greig Canning ‘A’ March: 1 Darach Urquhart 2 Greig Canning‘A’ S&R: 1 Darach Urquhart 2 Greig Canning ‘B’ Piob: 1 James McPetrie 2 Edward Gaul…

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What Price Forgiveness for P/M Gordon Walker?

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In two weeks time the Glenfiddich Championship will celebrate its 50th iteration. In a nice touch the organisers have invited previous winners still living to attend for a weekend of good music, hospitality and friendship. Missing, though, will be Gordon Walker a two-time winner of the competition. On June 21 this year he received an email from Mr Nick Addington, Chief Executive of the William Grant Foundation, the contest sponsor….

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Dollar Academy Job Reminder/ Stirling Recital/ Merchison Scholarships

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Callum Beaumont writes: ‘I just wanted to share with you that there is an exciting opportunity for someone to join the team at Dollar Academy as a self-employed piping instructor. Perhaps there may be a Piping Press reader interested.’ The blurb says the job is two days a week, though this may rise, and will be paid by invoice. The school is looking for someone who has Grade 1 experience ‘at…

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History: Pipe Bands in the East of Scotland Over the Years

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Having been a member of three East of Scotland pipe bands and involved with various others over more than 50 years I have built up some knowledge of many of them.  It would take a great deal of research to compile a detailed history, much of which might be difficult to find, so this article is more general. I apologise from the outset for anything, or any band or any…

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