Category: History

P/M Malcolm M Mackenzie 1936 – 2024

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The death had been reported of P/M Malcolm ‘Malky’ Mackenzie, a huge figure in the pipe band movement for over 50 years. He was 85. His son Donald, also a noted piper, said: ‘It is with a heavy heart I report the passing of my dad. He passed away this morning after a short battle with mesothelioma. ‘The piping world was his life’s passion and he made many, many friends…

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RSPBA’s New President: ‘I will Be More than Just a Figurehead’

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Despite running a very successful World Pipe Band Championship, the RSPBA has become embroiled in yet another difficulty following the fiasco of the mis-calling of the Novice B result. It is not the first problem the Association has had to face in the past several months. Has a new President arrived just in time to steady the ship? Major General David McDowall CBE (pictured), former General Officer Commanding of the…

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Review and Results: Lochaber Gathering 2024

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Coming directly after the Argyllshire Gathering and before the Northern Meeting, and being indoors, guarantees that this event is always oversubscribed in the B/C division, writes the Editor. In the B/C piobaireachd, capped at 20, 18 played. Twenty-six entered the B/C light music and 23 played. The venue is the splendid Highland Cinema and its piazza right on Fort William main street. It is given courtesy its owner and founder,…

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Focus of World Piping now on Argyllshire Gathering/ CLASP League Winners

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After a huge week in the pipe band world our focus now turns to a huge week in the solo piping world, namely the Argyllshire Gathering In Oban. Piobaireachd competitions are underway for Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Senior Piobaireachd and MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd. These exclusive events are restricted to either the top pipers in their category or those who have qualified from previous success. Any prize is a significant achievement;…

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Further Observations on the World Pipe Band Championships 2024

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The publicity for this year’s event referred to Glasgow hosting the Championships in 1948 and continuously since 1986.  The first WPBC under the then SPBA were actually held in Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium in 1947, Cowal having previously been recognised as the World Championship.  For those readers interested in history, 1947 was also the year the Edinburgh International Festival was created, and the first official Tattoo was held at Edinburgh Castle…

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