Category: History

Charlie McMillan of Machair Uinnein, Machrihanish, Kintyre (1934 – 2023)

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As a young boy it was Charlie’s wish to be taught the chanter by the illustrious Willie Thomson, but Willie considered him just a bit too young.  For those who have never heard of Willie Thomson, he originated from the Glendale area of Moray near Inverness and after serving some years in the Scottish Horse Regiment took up the position of Piper to the Macneals of Ugadale (Kintyre) in 1907,…

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Clan MacRae History – Readers Respond

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Matthew M Farrigan: Long time since we have chatted. If you remember, I don’t like to stick my big American nose where it doesn’t belong. However, on this occasion, I felt I might have some info (not 100% sure) to ID another chap in the photo.  In the mid-90s I traveled from Schenectady, NY, to Worcester, Mass, to play with the Worcester Kiltie PB. The band had rounded up all the…

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Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Winners/ Glasgow Skye/ SPA Professional/ Charles Dunbar Pipes/ WW2 Tunes Search

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Thanks to the RSPBA and their Chairman Kevin Reilly for the positive response to our mini-campaign to have the World Pipe Band Champions 1906 – 1946 recognised by their inclusion in future Worlds programmes. Mr Reilly has been in contact with the RSPBA’s Media and Marketing committee, so fingers crossed we will see the names of these somewhat neglected champion bands and their pipe majors in the 2023 Glasgow Green…

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Superb Piping From Duncan Johnstone/ Jimmy McIntosh Challenge Contest

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As the BBC’s ‘Pipeline’ comes to an end, I thought readers might like to remember days gone by, writes Dr Jack Taylor.  The following excerpts are from a broadcast about 1974-75 by Andrew Wright and Duncan Johnstone. The recordings are of Duncan’s light music showing his characteristic style.  The recording quality is not great, but the playing is. Andrew played The Bicker and Battle of Strome. These recordings are now on…

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Open Letter to RSPBA Officials on Worlds Winners and Setting the Record Straight

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Dear Sirs, With the support of our many readers, Piping Press this week published a full list of World Championship winning bands from the pre-SPBA and RSPBA era. We believe these bands and their achievements deserve to be recognised by their inclusion in the Worlds programme produced every year for that great championship at Glasgow Green. We appreciated that these titles were won under the umbrella of the Cowal Championship,…

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