Category: Blog

History: P/M Angus Lawrie, Oban Pipe Band

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The recent upgrading of the Oban Pipe Band from Grade 3A to Grade 2 was richly deserved after a season which saw them crowned World Champions in their grade. Their founder was Pipe Major Angus Lawrie, ‘Old Toastie’ immortalised in the hornpipe of the same name written by his nephew, also Angus Lawrie. (Old Toastie’s son was Ronald Lawrie, Gold Medallist and former P/M of the City of Glasgow Police…

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Disturbing Legal Action in Canada/ Ken Eller Memorial Gathering

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Some of you will be aware that our Canadian piping and drumming cousins are currently involved in a bit of a brouhaha. On the one side we have a disgruntled judge who believes he has been unfairly treated after alleged transgressions. On the other we have the governing body, Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario, which believes that, in taking what it saw as the required disciplinary action, it…

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Nicol-Brown Amateur Results/ Lewis & Harris Juniors Results

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The 41st Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Contest was held on October 12, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland, USA. Gillian Blaney, from Lower Sackville (pictured above), Nova Scotia, was the overall champion. Gillian receives a $1,000 travel bursary donated by NHSCOT Fund, a special Nicol-Brown McCallum blackwood pipe chanter, and a new Lee & Sons pipe bag. Runner-up overall Malachi Johannsen – $500 scholarship donated by Cathi Nixon (Tennessee) in memory of her father,…

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National Mòd Piping Results

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A busy day of competition at the National Mòd, back in its spiritual home, Oban, until Saturday 19th October, writes Alastair MacGregor. The venue for the piping was Oban High School and there very good numbers for B grades and the children’s competitions. The weather outside was very poor with high winds and sleet forcing the cancellation of the traditional Mod shinty match. P/A winners John Dew and Angus MacPhee are…

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Editor’s Notebook: RSPBA Fundraiser Job/ Sun Belt Info/ Historic Piper of Year Pictures/ Letters

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The decision by the RSPBA to appoint a fund-raising officer is long overdue. Given the millions the Association brings into Scotland each year via the Worlds and feeder events such Piping Live and the Worlds Week concert, it has a strong ethical case for public funding. Given the work bands do in education and in preserving an important Scottish tradition, the new man should be able to tap into cultural…

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