Category: Letters

Consideration of Upper Limits on Numbers Following the Demise of two Grade 1 Bands

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Recently, two first grade pipe bands ceased operations, unable to attract enough competent pipers and drummers to compete confidently at the top level. This reduction highlights a growing issue: the remaining top bands have become so large that they absorb much of the available talent, leaving fewer skilled players to sustain other Grade 1 or 2 bands. By Allan Hamilton Historically, a greater number of strong bands existed precisely because…

More Consideration of Upper Limits on Numbers Following the Demise of two Grade 1 Bands

Editor’s Notebook: Bands Under Threat/ Big Rab Show/ Angus MacKay/ Talk Piobaireachd

Posted on      by      1 Comment

The well-documented concerns of the audience at last summer’s Worlds is not the only matter which seems to have been passed over by the RSPBA Board of Directors at their October meeting. What about the demise of two of our Grade 1 pipe bands, Johnstone and Closkelt? Did this merit any air time at all? There is a line in the minutes which tells us that one enlightened director did…

More Editor’s Notebook: Bands Under Threat/ Big Rab Show/ Angus MacKay/ Talk Piobaireachd

Editor’s Notebook: Let Piping Flourish/ Kyle Warren Book/ Kiwi Bands/ Roy Gunn

Posted on      by      1 Comment

John Mulhearn: I was wondering if you might be able to post something about the upcoming event at the ‘Aye Write’ book festival at which myself and Richard McLauchlan will be discussing our new books? The event is this Sunday, November 9, and the copy reads: ‘…….. two fellow pipers discuss their books and enjoy a tune or two….Richard McLauchlan is our guide to the fascinating history of the bagpipes,…

More Editor’s Notebook: Let Piping Flourish/ Kyle Warren Book/ Kiwi Bands/ Roy Gunn

SPA Juveniles and Victorian Pipers Association, Australia

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

The Scottish Pipers Association has announced the playing order for Saturday’s (November 8th) Juvenile contest being held in the Piping Centre (the former College of Piping building) in Otago Street, Glasgow. Events begin at 9am. All welcome. Admission £5 for adults, £2.50 for children. The draw: Download a PDF here. Judges are Derek Fraser (15 & Under Piob.), Peter Hunt (ceòl beag), Tom Johnstone (16-18 Piob. and 15 & Under…

More SPA Juveniles and Victorian Pipers Association, Australia

Gala Recital Announced

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

A recital headlining Champion Piper Stuart Liddell is to be held early next year. The venue is Airdrie Working Men’s Club in Lanarkshire. The date is Friday, February 13. Supporting Stuart will be Cameron May, and a quartet from 16 times World Champions, Shotts & Dykehead. By Dan Nevans The recital is entitled ‘The Peter MacLeod Senior Memorial Recital’. Peter MacLeod Sr., originally from the island of Lewis, was Pipe…

More Gala Recital Announced