Category: History

PP Editor’s Blog: Euro Champs/ George Ackroyd/ Summer School/Braemar

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Solo piping adjudicator Archie Maclean has sent the following: ‘Enjoyed the interesting article on P/M George Ackroyd. Please find attached, a rather creased and tattered photograph cutting from the ‘Oban Times’ (circa. 1939) under the heading ‘Pipe-Majors of the Highland Brigade’.  ‘P/M Ackroyd is standing fourth from the left, the only one wearing a feather bonnet. The accompanying text has him as Pipe Major G. Ackroyd (Depot) Black Watch.  You’ll make out ‘big’ Donald…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Euro Champs/ George Ackroyd/ Summer School/Braemar

PP Editor’s Blog: Sandy Davidson/ Alan’s Tunes/ Tom’s Finger/ FMM Tickets/ Rothesay

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Former Scots Guards Pipe Major Sandy Davidson died at home last Thursday morning from a suspected heart attack. Sandy (74) was considered a thorough gentleman by those who knew him. He is survived by wife Margaret, son Alex, daughter Gillian, and many grandchildren. Sandy joined the 7th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in Stirling before transferring to the Scots Guards in the early 60s. He became Pipe Major of the 2nd Batt in January…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Sandy Davidson/ Alan’s Tunes/ Tom’s Finger/ FMM Tickets/ Rothesay

PP Editor’s Blog: History/ SPA/ John Wilson/ NEPADA/ Lorient etc

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Last month we had the British Pipe Band Championships at Paisley but younger readers may not know that the area hosted the same championships for many years prior to 2016. In the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s it was held at nearby Renfrew. Here’s a report from the Piping, Drumming and Dancing Journal from before WW2: British Pipe Band Championship, Renfrew The annual Pipe Band Contest organised by the Renfrew…

More PP Editor’s Blog: History/ SPA/ John Wilson/ NEPADA/ Lorient etc

Analysis: The Cave of Gold and a New Addition to the PP Audio Archive

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Just saying the words ‘Cave of Gold’ conjures up all the imagery and romance that a modern day Ossian would have been proud of. In reality the eponymous piobaireachd, MacCrimmon by repute, is a fairly bland piece and not close to the zenith of that family’s creative canon. We can forget all idea of swooning fairies cavorting to the music of a celtic Croesus, to a melody of brilliant glister. If indeed it does…

More Analysis: The Cave of Gold and a New Addition to the PP Audio Archive

PP Editor’s Blog: Live in Ireland Winners/ Blue Lagoon/ Lochaber Entry/ Gairloch Contest

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Winners of the ‘Live in Ireland 87’ video downloads are John McFadden and Chris Lee. The questions were: 1 Name two piobaireachd heard on 78th Fraser CDs. 2 What do Canadians like best about Scotland? a) The weather b) The fish suppers c) The Worlds The correct answer to the first was Lament for the Children from the ‘Live in Ireland’ CD and A Flame of Wrath For Squinting Patrick from…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Live in Ireland Winners/ Blue Lagoon/ Lochaber Entry/ Gairloch Contest