Category: History

Donald Morrison Archive: Notes on the Introduction of Teaching of Piping to South Uist

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This very interesting, but unattributed article is from the archive of Donald Morrison. It gives an insight into the history of piping in the Outer Isles and in particular South Uist. It is not by Donald himself but mentions his father Donald John Morrison. Canon Alexander MacDougall was a native of Morar and died there on 10th December, 1944, at the age of 85 years. His first parish in the…

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Piobaireachd Society Recital Programme/ Tunes for Oban 150th Anniversary Contest Announced

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Details of the Piobaireachd Society’s annual recital ‘Classical Pipe Music – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure’ have been announced. The recital takes place next Sunday, August 29, in the National Piping Centre’s Otago Street building in Glasgow. Time is 7 for 7.30pm. The pipers, their tunes and the order of play are as follows: Craig Sutherland: Lament for the Lowland Clearances (Karen McCrindle-Warren) Stuart Liddell: Field of Gold (P/M Donald MacLeod) P/M…

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Duncan’s Tune for Dominic

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I recently reported that on a trip to Iona and its abbey I spotted this memorial bench (right in picture above) dedicated to a Dominic McGowan, writes the Editor. I thought this could be the same Dominic McGowan who died at a tragically young age and for whom Duncan Johnstone wrote his melodic and poignant 6/8 march. The dates fitted and I remembered him telling me about the origins of…

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John MacFadyen Recordings Available on Scottish Music Archive/ New Piping Book Published

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The Scottish music archive ‘Rare Tunes’ has unearthed an LP recording by Champion Piper John MacFadyen. Its on the ‘Gaelfon’ label and dates from 1958 and was recorded in Glasgow. The recording includes a complete piobaireachd, MacIntosh’s Lament, and the ceòl beag is as follows: Braes of Lochiel / Invercharron Gathering / Cameron MacFadyen / Duart Castle; 71st Highlander’s Farewell to Edinburgh / Pipe Major Willie Gray’s Farewell to the…

More John MacFadyen Recordings Available on Scottish Music Archive/ New Piping Book Published

Memories of My Father, Donald Morrison, Part 2

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Donald’s daughter Sheona MacDonald, Aberdeen, has agreed to share with us her memories of her father and also his extensive archive of photographs, letters and newspaper clippings. We will publish what we can over the coming weeks. Mrs MacDonald has also kindly given permission for her father’s book of tunes to be published for download. Again this will be available via the Piping Press Shop in due course. The above…

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