Category: Comment

Elaine Marnoch 1958-2017

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It is with sadness that we report the passing of piper Elaine Marnoch. Elaine, married name Elaine Potts, was aged 58 and had been suffering from cancer. Elaine was a leading player in the 70s and 80s and played with many bands in the north-east of Scotland in both amateur and professional solo ranks and was a leading figure in Officers Training Corps. She was the first lady piper to…

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History: The Origins of the Modern Day Pipe Band Part 3

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The late piping historian and military music expert Lt. Col. David Murray continues his examination of the origins of the pipe band. You can read earlier excerpts here and here. The influence of John MacAdam’s road surface also had its effect on the music. On the line of march, the Pipes and Drums and the Military Band played alternately, the Military Band usually being stationed half way down the column. The…

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PP Ed’s Blog: Pipe Cases/ Neil’s Run/ Glasgow Tattoo/ Band Indoors/ SA School

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Noticing the advert for the new RG Hardie pipe cases I was wondering what happened to the old wooden pipe box. I mean what do pipers sit on these days when they are waiting for a bus? Sorry, I forgot; they don’t do that any more. If you turn up at your band practice in anything less than a Ford Fiesta Titanium you get frowned on. Taking the boat to…

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Pipers and Drummers wanted for Tattoo 2017/ Copenhagen Winter Competition

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Major Stevie Small MBE, Project Officer for the Pipers’ Trail, is looking for pipers and drummers who want to play at this year’s spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Major Small, recently retired as Director of Army Bagpipe Music, said: ‘This is a tremendous opportunity to take part in the world famous Tattoo and Pipers’ Trail is now recruiting for 2017! Pipers and drummers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.’  The…

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PP Ed’s Blog: Article on Pipers in Action in WW1/ Ban on Post 1947 Ivory Pipes Being Sold

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A WW1 article in the Scotsman at the weekend made poignant reading – five hundred pipers killed and six hundred wounded. It read: ‘London-born Sir Philip Gibbs (1877-1962), one of five official reporters during the First World War, wrote about the effects of the pipes and the extraordinary bravery of pipers and Highlanders among the British forces at the Battle of Delville Wood near the village of Longueval which raged…

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