Category: Letters

New Information for John and his Ancient Bagpipe Identification Research

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There are so many old makers that we have yet to positively attribute works to, that short of carefully removing all of the lacquer in the hope of trying to find a maker’s stamp, we may never really know who made this set until something very similar surfaces. Not just one or two of the features being similar, but all. By George Hannah Some of the features that stand out…

More New Information for John and his Ancient Bagpipe Identification Research

Poor Support is Undermining Minor Pipe Band Contests

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Last Sunday at Ardrossan, five bands in G4 MSR and two in G3; this Saturday at Lochore three in G4A, four in G3, four in G2, two in G1; Aberdeen on June 19 a bit better: seven in 4B, three in 4A, five in G3, six in G2, three in G1……. Looking at Markinch summaries and once again I find myself bemoaning the lack of bands in attendance. It has…

More Poor Support is Undermining Minor Pipe Band Contests

Editor’s Notebook: Jubilee Pipers/ Lorient Faux Pas/ Ivory Pipes/ Graingers and Reeds/ Donald’s Tune

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I know it was a week ago, but I do not want this column to pass without recognising all those pipers, both military and non, who made their contribution to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Reading reports and watching the ceremonies live, it was clear that we pipers did our bit on what was a uniquely historic occasion. The jewel in our crown was P/M Stuart Liddell whose composition Diu…

More Editor’s Notebook: Jubilee Pipers/ Lorient Faux Pas/ Ivory Pipes/ Graingers and Reeds/ Donald’s Tune

Readers React to Robert Mathieson’s Groundbreaking Thoughts on the Future of the Pipe Band Medley

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Last week Piping Press ran a series of articles from RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson. The reaction is almost as important and interesting as the original thoughts. We print a selection here… Robert McCarthy: Mr Mathieson is saying out loud what has been on many peoples’ minds for years. The contest format has been mired in antiquated rules long enough; they are strangling bands. The ‘prescribed tune list’ and restricting them…

More Readers React to Robert Mathieson’s Groundbreaking Thoughts on the Future of the Pipe Band Medley

Editor’s Notebook: Queen’s Awards/ Medley Analysis/ SPA/ Eagle Pipers/ US Piping Job/ Kyle’s Album

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Over the years many individuals have received recognition for their work for piping. I can’t remember anyone whose award has been met with such widespread approval and happiness as that for Iain MacFadyen. I think it would be fair to say that there has never been a piper more deserving of a Royal honour than Iain. Most correspondents echo that – and the view of Iain Marshall in our comments…

More Editor’s Notebook: Queen’s Awards/ Medley Analysis/ SPA/ Eagle Pipers/ US Piping Job/ Kyle’s Album