Category: Features

Unifying Set Tunes Worldwide, James McGrady, Norman Meldrum and Neville McKay

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I would like to comment on a few articles on Piping Press over the past several weeks. Firstly, Scott Nicholson’s plan for a unified system of Piobaireachd Society set tunes for Australia (PP, July 2). This has great value. It motivates aspiring competitors to commit to learning these tunes and if they are successful with them and accepted for Oban and Inverness, they are likely to be well prepared.  My…

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It is Time for a Re-Think on the Training of Pipe Band Judges

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My name is Ian Plunkett. I am 63 and competed in Grade 1 as a piper from the age of 16. I played in Red Hackle in its various incarnations, Glasgow Skye, was Pipe Major of Strathclyde Police from 1997 to 2002, and latterly played with Scottish Power. I am qualified to Level 6 with the RSPBA and I am a recognised instructor and assessor within the organisation. By Ian…

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P/M Richard Parkes MBE Retires from Field Marshal Montgomery

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The most successful pipe major in pipe band history, Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery, has announced his retirement. In a statement, the band revealed that P/Sgt. Matt Wilson will be taking over as Pipe Major. Richard (62) has won 13 World title, more than any other Pipe Major, and over forty major championships. Richard said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Field Marshal Montgomery. The…

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Editor’s Notebook: Michael Colliery Band/ Solo & Band Season/ Edith MacPherson/ Funeral Details

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Reader Gary Clacher: My dad, Adam Clacher, won the World Solo Drumming Championship in 1959 when he was with the Grade 2 Michael Colliery band. Not sure if this has been done before or since by a Grade 2 leading drummer. I wonder if anyone has any photos of my dad, or the Michael Colliery Band, competing? A long shot but photos seem so hard to find from this time….

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BBC Recordings from the Northern Meeting to Air this Weekend / Northern Ireland Bands

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On the piping shows on the BBC this weekend (Radio Scotland and Radio nan Gàidheal) there will be live recordings from this year’s Northern Meeting competition in Inverness, reports presenter Micheal Steele. The shows include performances from the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal, the Gold Clasp and the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society Silver Star for Former Winners March, Strathspey and Reel. Saturday night on Radio Scotland (9pm) has Nick…

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