PP Ed’s Blog: 277 Argylls TA Band/ Jim’s Birthday/ George Story/ Mathieson Cruise

Glenn Gillan has written again about his father’s band, the Argylls 277RA TA, World Champions at Belfast in 1962 with P/M John Weatherston in charge. Glenn writes: ‘I’d like to find a photo of my father’s band 277 A&SH on the field at the Worlds when they won in 1962 if anyone has it. They made a record after but he isn’t on the cover photo as he was out…

Glasgow Highland Club Evening of Friendship and Music

The Club held an ‘at home’ evening in the Piping Centre last night and I was there as a guest of Robert and John Frater, writes the Editor. Club evenings are always characterised by good friendship, good food and good music and your trencherman enjoyed three courses, good service with a fine real ale from Argyll on tap – and the house red wasn’t bad either. It is a Club tradition that…

PP Ed’s Blog: Jimmy Tune/ Chris Carving/ Ulster Burns/ DM Lauren/ Geoff Neigh

A performance of the Earl of Seaforth’s Salute by Jimmy McIntosh has been added to the PP Audio Archive. Jimmy says he thinks it is from the Northern Meeting in Inverness when he was runner-up to Donald Morrison in the Clasp. The tune comes to us via Chris Terry and Nicholas Taitz in South Africa. Thanks to all. Listen to the tune here. An accident involving RSPBA Finance Director Kenny Crothers…

PP Audio Archive Latest Additions: Shotts Drummers/ Wee Donald Maclean/ Jimmy Catherwood/ Toyota Pipes & Drums

There are significant new additions to the Piping Press Audio Archive today. We are grateful to Mr Iain Duncan, formerly librarian for the RSPBA, for passing them on. They are from his own personal collection. We start with a recording of the iconic Shotts & Dykehead drum corps from 1959 playing a salute by the legendary leading stroke Alex Duthart. The picture above shows L/D Duthart and his corps in 1957….

Solo Piping Competition in Edinburgh 50 Years ago

The PP history archives are raided today for a fascinating look at piping half a century ago. Back then Edinburgh rivalled Glasgow a the world centre for solo piping with thriving competitions run by the City of Edinburgh Police Pipe Band and the Eagle Pipers’ Society. These were senior events attended by all the leading players of the day with all the top judges manning the benches. The picture above…