Category: Features

Old Photograph Reveals Distinctive Mode of Dress

Posted on      by     

Following the publication of yesterday’s historic picture from the Inverness Courier, correspondent Duncan Watson, Aberdeen, has sent the one above with the following story….. This photo from the late 1920s was in the Press and Journal [newspaper], under the heading ‘Past Times.’ I don’t know who the piper was. He looks to be a confident sort of person and is turning the corner of the board with a good stride. He…

More Old Photograph Reveals Distinctive Mode of Dress

PP Editor’s Blog: Ian’s March/ Mod Reminder/ Early Band Contests/ Knox Tour

Posted on      by     

With all his success as a pipe major it is easy to forget what a great solo piper P/M Ian McLellan was –  a winner of all the big light music titles including Former Winners’ MSRs. Ian (above), you may not know, was also taught piobaireachd by Captain Andrew Pitkeathly in the Argylls, but band work took over and he didn’t have time to pursue it. He excelled at march…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Ian’s March/ Mod Reminder/ Early Band Contests/ Knox Tour

PP Academy: Jigs Ain’t What They Used to Be

Posted on      by     

In last week’s references to Duncan Johnstone I deliberately avoided mention of his oft-used description as ‘King of the Jigs’. I don’t know where or how he assumed this epithet but it was one he disliked. He was good at them mind. His was a rounder style, perhaps, given his Barra roots, an island way of handling this much-maligned tune form. Duncan’s presentation was often misinterpreted as straight as a die…

More PP Academy: Jigs Ain’t What They Used to Be

PP Editor’s Blog: UK Champs Draw/ Willie Lawrie/ PP Audio Archive/ SPA KO

Posted on      by     

The draw for the UK Pipe Band Championships in Belfast on June 11 has been posted on the RSPBA website. First on in Grade 1 are Dowco Triumph Street from Canada. I presume they are giving the Worlds a miss this year given the expense involved in getting to Stormont two months before.  If this is the case it is a loss to Glasgow Green. This band is always very…

More PP Editor’s Blog: UK Champs Draw/ Willie Lawrie/ PP Audio Archive/ SPA KO

Be a Better Piper: A Few Tips for the Games

Posted on      by     

The following advice may be of use to all pipers, but especially those who intend competing round the games this summer. Before any public performance be aware that your bagpipe sound is 99% of the battle. You will NEVER do well on an ill-sounding instrument, yet even the more middle of the road piper can excel when his or her instrument displays vibrancy and accuracy of tuning. I say, perhaps…

More Be a Better Piper: A Few Tips for the Games