Category: History

Can Anyone Help Me Identify My New But Ancient Bagpipe?

Posted on      by      10 Comments

It was always a dream of mine that one fine day up in Highlandshire, when it was pouring down and I am making my way through the 43rd charity shop of the holiday, I would spot a manky old wooden box holding up a tea set in the display window.  Removing the china, I would fish out and blow the dust off the box to reveal on the lid the…

More Can Anyone Help Me Identify My New But Ancient Bagpipe?

Campbell McGougan 1930 – 2022

Posted on      by      3 Comments

The death has been announced of Campbell McGougan who passed away on 5th June at Redwoods Care Home, Alness, Ross-shire. He was 92 years of age.  (Please see the notice below for details of his funeral which takes place next Tuesday.) Campbell McGougan, first name Neil seldom used, had a lifelong love of piping. He was born in Campbeltown where has was taught by Peter McCallum a scion of the…

More Campbell McGougan 1930 – 2022

Editor’s Notebook: Jubilee Pipers/ Lorient Faux Pas/ Ivory Pipes/ Graingers and Reeds/ Donald’s Tune

Posted on      by      3 Comments

I know it was a week ago, but I do not want this column to pass without recognising all those pipers, both military and non, who made their contribution to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Reading reports and watching the ceremonies live, it was clear that we pipers did our bit on what was a uniquely historic occasion. The jewel in our crown was P/M Stuart Liddell whose composition Diu…

More Editor’s Notebook: Jubilee Pipers/ Lorient Faux Pas/ Ivory Pipes/ Graingers and Reeds/ Donald’s Tune

Piobaireachd Society Announce Line Up for Annual Edinburgh Fringe Concert

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

The Piobaireachd Society has invited the following pipers to play at its Annual Concert: Tom Peterkin, Finlay Johnston, John Dew and Nick Hudson.  The concert’s official title is ‘Classical Pipe Music – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure’. The date is August 21 and the venue St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street, Edinburgh. Time: 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions) at the door or in advance via the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office. Pipers’ dress…

More Piobaireachd Society Announce Line Up for Annual Edinburgh Fringe Concert

Piping Still Has a Long Way to Go to Achieve the Respect it Deserves

Posted on      by      8 Comments

By Robert Wallace The central problem in Army piping is that pipers are not considered musicians. They are soldiers first. This is not the case with their counterparts in the military bands. They are musicians, front and centre. Pipe Majors are constantly having to justify their existence to unsympathetic senior officers. Come parade time, sure they want to be proud of their Pipes & Drums. That’s different; the world and…

More Piping Still Has a Long Way to Go to Achieve the Respect it Deserves