Category: Letters

The Transformative Sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe

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This reader contacted us after we published the article from Scotland’s History magazine ‘The Meaning of Bagpipe Music on the Western Front During WW1‘ My name is Robyn M Pio. I am a 70-year-old American woman raised by a German great-grandmother (who was born in Bremen, 1878). I now live in Chicago, Illinois, but my first language was German. I became a Catholic Francophile whilst living in France years ago. I am…

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Editor’s Notebook: Winter School/ Angus MacKay/ Brighde at COP/ Oldest Band/ Roddy Cannon

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We are well into the 2021 Northern Winter School here on the plains of Lower Saxony and as I write the music mingles with forests and fields that have borne witness to the best and worst of human conduct. In this little corner of Lohheide over 50 piping and drumming students banish the pandemic memories, learn their rudiments and re-kindle old friendships. The format is, as ever, hard work in…

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Donald Morrison Archive: A Letter from Sheriff JP Grant, Rothiemurchus

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As a young man in his 20s Donald Morrison, South Uist and Aberdeen, was determined to make a name for himself in piping. He communicated by letter with some of the noted individuals of the day. This article is from a letter Sheriff JP Grant, Rothiemurchus, Piobaireachd Society editor and judge, wrote to Donald in 1957. Forthright and instructive, it makes compelling reading …. Dear Donald, To answer all your…

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More Memories of Harry, Two Super Days at Cowal and the Great Trophy Theft

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Last week’s tribute to Harry McAleer brought back many memories, writes Barry Donaldson. He was a close friend and a huge personality. Here is one of the many memories I have. When the band was at its best, the individual playing was world class and Harry was as good a player as anyone. The band photo marching up the street at Cowal on the Saturday morning [top] was taken in…

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New Book Review: ‘Grey’s Notes on a Life Around Bagpipes’

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This is the recently published book penned by an esteemed piper, superb composer, internationally famous teacher, overall music master and consummate Bard. My tongue is firmly in my cheek I hear you say. Certainly not. Who am I talking about? None other than Ontario’s Michael Grey. Mike, I have you up there with the best. By Barry Donaldson This book is an autobiographical account of his life and times as…

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