Category: Letters

Readers React to Loss of Fifth Major Pipe Band Championship

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Ian Plunkett: ‘Well done to Ian Forbes for speaking up. Remember there used to be six majors if we include Cowal, which was not only a championship but a massive all day event finishing after midnight. ‘For too long all bands have been taken for granted by the organisation and I believe therein lies the problem. If all worked together there probably would be a bit more tolerance with the…

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Pipe Band News: Northern Ireland Chairman Stands Down/ Grant Cassidy Leaves Shotts

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The pipe band community in Northern Ireland has been surprised by yesterday’s resignation of the RSPBA Northern Ireland branch Chairman, Alastair Patterson, writes Gilbert Cromie. In a statement Alastair said: ‘I have taken the decision to stand down from my role as Chairman of the RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch. This has not been an easy decision, but the amount of time and commitment needed has been having an impact on…

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College Band/ Inveraray Dinner/ Balvenie Medal

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Scott Bennett replies to last week’s article on the College of Piping band. He writes: Yes that was Evan MacKay behind the pipe major in photo of the CoP band in Brittany in 1953. And if you look very carefully you can see me – the small boy behind the Pipe Sergeant. The P/Sgt was none other than the renowned accordionist of Mishnish Hotel, Tobermory, fame, Bobby MacLeod. Bobby composed…

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Oban and Inverness Entries/ Northern Ireland Band Dates/ Ross Miller New Single

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Entries for the major competitions at the 2025 Argyllshire Gathering (Aug. 27/28), and the Northern Meeting (Sept. 11/12), close on January 31, just over two weeks away. No late entries will be considered by the promoters. The entry deadline includes those playing for the Senior Piobaireachd, the Clasp and both Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and Reel competitions. A meeting to finalise those eligible for Gold and Silver Medal competitions will…

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Famous Pipers: Remembering John Scott, South Uist – Part 2

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The concluding part of these reminiscences by Tony Daniel a pupil of John’s in London….. Then came the time I went to his home and was told he was in hospital in Croydon. I went to visit him; he was surprised but happy to see me but he couldn’t talk as he had had a tracheotomy. He would write notes to me instead. But I soon learnt to understand him…

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