1st Port Glasgow BB Pipe Band to Celebrate Winning World Juvenile Title 50 Years Ago

This year represents 50 years since 1st Port Glasgow BB became World Juvenile Pipe Band Champions. The band was also Champion of Champions that year.  Above is a photo of the winning band of 1972. It was taken in the BB Institute in Balfour Street, Port Glasgow, and shows the band in its new Anderson tartan kilts and tweed jackets. We did not have the kilts in the 1972 season…

Her Majesty The Queen

As pipers we will add to the tide of grief, mourning, and gratitude that has followed the death of HM The Queen. For every day of her domestic life she rose to the sound of our national instrument. She appointed thirteen different Sovereign’s Pipers during her 70-year reign. They attest to her knowledge of the tunes, and woe betide those guilty of lazy repeats. By The Editor In her support…

Braemar Gathering Results – Updated with Comment, Pictures and Juniors

The final major Highland games of the summer was held in dry, overcast, but warm conditions. There were changes at the piobaireachd board with a new canopy and screen. This helped greatly in reducing extraneous noise and unwanted breezes. One minor hiccup came when Jamie Forrester put a brogue through a rotted plank on the platform. Luckily he was still tuning. It was the only foot he put wrong in…

Argyllshire Gathering at Oban Enjoys a Successful Two Days of Competition

What a jovial, jubilant, just brilliant return to form by the Argyllshire Gathering. The first major solo piping event for three years was a triumph in every sense and just reward for the stewards for their determination and ‘can do’ attitude throughout the pandemic years. They refused to allow it to halt their 150th Anniversary celebrations last year, putting on reduced events to keep the music going. By the Editor…

Some Reflections on the World Pipe Band Championships 2022 – Part 2

The following offer some general observations I noted over the two days regarding the bands which played in the main arena. The four in Juvenile played their musical medleys very well and illustrated the standard of tuition in the schools they represented.  It is just a pity the numbers in this grade have been in single figures in recent years.  Hopefully they can be expanded as the pandemic recovery continues. …