Category: History

100 Guineas Solo Contest, South Africa

Posted on      by     

Nicholas Taitz reports: The overall results for the Senior 100 Guineas solo piping competition, held this weekend in Johannesburg, were as follows: Chris Terry Tom Fuller David Mason Nicholas Taitz Chris Terry (pictured above competing) made a memorable and remarkable comeback, winning the piobaireachd and dominating the light music too. He played the Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay, a favourite tune of his, on an immaculate and quite magical bagpipe. Chris…

More 100 Guineas Solo Contest, South Africa

PP Ed’s Blog: Piob Soc Conf./ Tain Games/ Donald MacKinnon/ Gillie’s Family

Posted on      by     

The Piobaireachd Society conference enters its second day today and I must say it has been a roaring success so far. I’ll have a full report later as the there is not a lot of time before the next session on the 2017 set tunes begins. The weather up here in Birnam has been amazing – as it has been in much of the UK. Last night’s ceilidh went on…

More PP Ed’s Blog: Piob Soc Conf./ Tain Games/ Donald MacKinnon/ Gillie’s Family

‘Big’ Donald MacLean and Arm Swapping and Harry’s Father’s Pipes

Posted on      by     

I read George Taylor’s letter re swapping arms, writes Duncan Watson. Re Donald Maclean. I understood that big Donald did start playing under the right arm and to conform with others in the pipe band scene in the Army he was ‘instructed’ to  switch to his left arm. Counter marching through pipers in a band seemed to a problem with cords getting in a tangle. The late Willie MacDonald (Benbecula) could…

More ‘Big’ Donald MacLean and Arm Swapping and Harry’s Father’s Pipes

PP Ed’s Blog: Duncan Johnstone/ Preston Lodge/ Reay Mackay/ Letters/ Paddy’s Day

Posted on      by     

Tomorrow sees the Duncan Johnstone competition for B & C Grade pipers honouring the memory of ‘the piper’s piper’. The contest is held in the Piping Centre in Cowcaddens so get along to hear some good playing if you are in Glasgow. Results as soon as we get them. Here is the playing order: Lee Moore: Please find attached the programme for the East Lothian Solo and Miniband Competition tomorrow at Preston…

More PP Ed’s Blog: Duncan Johnstone/ Preston Lodge/ Reay Mackay/ Letters/ Paddy’s Day

History: Brechin, Kirriemuir Pipe Band and Piper Peter Massie

Posted on      by     

We are grateful to reader Mrs Massie for passing on these photographs and newspaper clippings. They offer an interesting snapshot of life and society in and around the Brechin/ Kirriemuir area of Angus in the late 19th century. If anyone can help her in her quest please get in touch….  Mrs Massie writes: I recently commented on the thoughts on ‘History of the Pipe Band and the Worlds’ by Keith…

More History: Brechin, Kirriemuir Pipe Band and Piper Peter Massie