Category: History

History: The McAllister Reed Goes to Canada

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The McAllister reed shot to fame with the success of the Shotts band in the 1970s. It consolidated its position in the era of Strathclyde Police’s run of World Championship wins. With stability, volume, projection, it was the reed of choice for many discerning pipe majors. Twenty five year ago a Canadian family swooped to buy the brand. The Troy family have never looked back. Pictured above are the McAllister…

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Editor’s Notebook: Bob Nicol Tunes/ Jimmy Scholarship/ Craig’s Title/ Watson’s Piob Contest/ Eagles Results

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As promised, here are another couple of recordings of Bob Nicol’s light music courtesy Breton piper Patrick Molard. These add to the tunes we had earlier this week. Firstly Delvinside and Lochiel’s Awa’ Tae France: And now Arniston Castle and Charlie’s Welcome: I think we should be concerned that all these old settings of tunes could be lost. Wouldn’t it be a good project for students on the piping courses…

More Editor’s Notebook: Bob Nicol Tunes/ Jimmy Scholarship/ Craig’s Title/ Watson’s Piob Contest/ Eagles Results

Piobaireachd Society Approached Regarding Running of Silver Chanter

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There is uncertainty over the future of the prestigious Silver Chanter recital competition. The National Piping Centre has run it for the last five years after taking over from Skye Piping Society. It was initially moved from Skye to the Centre in Glasgow but last year was held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on the island. The Centre has stated that due to funding cuts they can no longer…

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Mystery Reel Played by Bob Nicol Revealed as a Composition of GS McLennan

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We had a very good response to to yesterday’s story on the playing of RB Nicol and in particular the unidentified tune mentioned. Thanks to everyone who took the trouble. Duncan Watson: Aha! That reel that Bob was recorded playing is called Anon and is a composition of GS McLennan. Anon spelled backwards comes out as ‘Nona’ which was the name of GS’s wife. He also composed a slow air…

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More Light Music Recordings of Bob Nicol Courtesy Patrick Molard, Brittany

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Following the article of a couple of weeks back, we asked Breton piper Patrick Molard how he came to have such excellent recordings of Bob Nicol, Balmoral, playing light music. Patrick responded promptly and, we are delighted to say, also supplied us with several other recordings from his archive. Thank you Patrick! He wrote: It is such a long time ago (51 years!) that it is difficult for me to…

More More Light Music Recordings of Bob Nicol Courtesy Patrick Molard, Brittany