The 70s Tribute Band and How the Idea Was Formed

The official press release on the 70s Tribute band, reported on PP earlier, was released today….. Some time ago an idea was hatched, by a few people who had competed during the 1970s, to acknowledge the initiative of the members of the then Scottish Pipe Band Association who introduced a Medley competition as the format for the World Pipe Band Championships in 1970. By Ken Stewart Prior to this all…

Editor’s Notebook: John MacLellan Dinner/ Alex MacIver Book/ Scottish Championships/ Dunvegan Medal/ Blas Festival

Douglas Gardiner, President of the Eagle Pipers’ Society: ‘Would you mind publishing that we are closing the sale of tickets for the Captain John MacLellan Dinner at 23.30hrs (BST) on Sunday 14th August? ‘We have been very pleased with ticket sales so far but a few more will ensure our Treasurer can sleep easier.  ‘Tickets are priced £50 and can be bought here. The selected pipers and their tunes are…

Scottish Championships/ St Columba’s, Kilmalcolm Job/ Junior Festival Solos

Solo adjudicator and former Scots Guards piper Roger Huth on the Scottish Pipe Band Chanmpionships last weekend: ‘I had the joy of wandering among the sounds of our great competing pipe bands yesterday at the Sottish Championships and seeing not a few of our superstars in action in the Grade One arena. I found rare space on a grassy rampart overlooking the hallowed spot and at 1400 the procession of…

Editor’s Notebook: BAG School/ Inveraray Games/ Judging/ Argylls Book/ US Contest/ British Legion 1971

I am in Germany for the annual Bagpipe Association of Germany School at Breuberg Castle in the Odenwald about an hour south of Frankfurt. A great team of instructors including drummer Carel Ooms who taught with me in Denmark 25 years ago, and Dixie Ingram, retired RSPBA judge and Scots Guardsman. Dixie has been coming here for 30 years and tells me he is just back from a fortnight at…

Dunvegan Medal Draw/ Chatsworth Entry Details

The prestigious Dunvegan Medal for MacCrimmon Piobaireachd will take place at this year’s Skye Gathering from 8.30am on August 2. The venue is the Skye Gathering Hall in Portree. The list of entrants is already oversubscribed with a waiting list being held in reserve. The running order is as follows: Gordon Barclay 1 Andrew Donlon 2 Andrew Hall 3 Anna Smart 4 Greig Canning 5 Jamie Elder 6 Andrew Ferguson…