Last Black Watch Piper to Play at President Kennedy’s Funeral Dies

The Dundee’s ‘Courier’ newspaper has reported the passing of Bruce Cowie the last Black Watch Piper to play at the 1963 funeral procession of former US President John F Kennedy. Piper Bruce (78) was aged 24 when he took part in the march through Washington from the White house to St Matthew’s Cathedral in 1963 (see pic above). PP readers can re-visit our extensive feature on these few tragic days…

PP Ed’s Blog: Fintan Lalor/ Andrew Donaldson (pix added)/ SG KO/ Florida/ Russian Tune Book

Joe Fitzpatrick from Dublin has sent these names from the above picture of the Fintan Lalor Pipe Band parading in Dublin in the 1960s. Joe writes: ‘In the front row are P/M Tim Keogh, Colum O’Brien, Liam Keogh and P/Sgt Tommy Moore. Middle row from the right are Anthony Fitzpatrick, not sure, Bisto Keogh;  Back – Paddy Leeh, Jimmy Hennessy and myself. The side drummer is Frank Saunders. Some names I…

Appeal for More Information on P/M Willie Jack of the Dalziel Highland Pipe Band

Reader Kerry MacIver has written asking for information about her grandfather, P/M William Jack of the Dalziel Highland Pipe Band. Kerry writes: ‘I am wanting to find out more about my grandfather and I was wondering if you could help. His name was Willie Jack and he was Pipe Major of the Dalziel Highland Pipe Band. I believe it was based in either Motherwell or Wishaw. ‘He passed away in…

PP Editor’s Blog: Fintan Lalor/ Gary Innes/ Lochaber/ Highland Games/ Poll result/ McCallum’s Marathon

Following John Kelly’s informative feature on the history of the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championship, Patrick Byrne has sent us this atmospheric picture (above). It is of the famous Fintan Lalor Pipe Band parading through the streets of Dublin in the 1960s.  Can anyone help us to identify the pipers? Black mark to Gary Innes (pictured) the presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s popular ‘Take the Floor’ country dance music show. In…

PP Ed’s Blog: Argylls Book/ Perth Reminder/ Glenfinnan/ Ulster Juvs./ Strathallan

The launch of the must-have Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Pipe Music Collection is on the 10 August during Worlds Week at the National Piping Centre at 12.30pm. Admission free. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about this historic collection and hear some the tunes played by leading pipers. All the compilers will be in attendance: Jim Henderson, P/M Ian McLellan, Walter Cowan, Jimmy Banks, their exuberance controlled by the…