Category: Letters

PP Editor’s Blog: Band Judging/ Bass Drummers/ Braemar/ Chatsworth

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A couple of points on yesterday’s report on the European Pipe Band Championships. Firstly I noticed the judges enjoying a friendly confab between performances and wondered if this was part of the consultative judging pilot scheme being trialled at both the UKs at Stormont and at Forres. There was certainly a welcome unanimity in the results – despite the piping judges wending very different and varying paths round the circle….

More PP Editor’s Blog: Band Judging/ Bass Drummers/ Braemar/ Chatsworth

PP Editor’s Blog: Euro Champs/ George Ackroyd/ Summer School/Braemar

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Solo piping adjudicator Archie Maclean has sent the following: ‘Enjoyed the interesting article on P/M George Ackroyd. Please find attached, a rather creased and tattered photograph cutting from the ‘Oban Times’ (circa. 1939) under the heading ‘Pipe-Majors of the Highland Brigade’.  ‘P/M Ackroyd is standing fourth from the left, the only one wearing a feather bonnet. The accompanying text has him as Pipe Major G. Ackroyd (Depot) Black Watch.  You’ll make out ‘big’ Donald…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Euro Champs/ George Ackroyd/ Summer School/Braemar

PP Editor’s Blog: Sandy Davidson/ Alan’s Tunes/ Tom’s Finger/ FMM Tickets/ Rothesay

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Former Scots Guards Pipe Major Sandy Davidson died at home last Thursday morning from a suspected heart attack. Sandy (74) was considered a thorough gentleman by those who knew him. He is survived by wife Margaret, son Alex, daughter Gillian, and many grandchildren. Sandy joined the 7th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in Stirling before transferring to the Scots Guards in the early 60s. He became Pipe Major of the 2nd Batt in January…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Sandy Davidson/ Alan’s Tunes/ Tom’s Finger/ FMM Tickets/ Rothesay

PP Editor’s Blog: New England Academy/ UK Champs/Tune Search/BB/Rod McFadyen

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The New England Pipe and Drum Academy began last night with a two-hour workshop at the Clan MacPherson band’s practice. They’re going to the Worlds to play in G4b. I spent some time with them going through their tunes on practice chanters and then sorting pipes. They have been good supporters of the Academy but the cost of going to Scotland has meant many of them couldn’t attend individually this…

More PP Editor’s Blog: New England Academy/ UK Champs/Tune Search/BB/Rod McFadyen

PP Editor’s Blog: Weekend Contests/ Lorient/ Breton CD/ Piobaireachd Letter

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Shotts band contest today and Markinch tomorrow. Weather forecast good for both. Results for the first on the RSPBA website and the second here as soon as we get them. Tom Johnstone, Scottish Organiser for the Lorient Festival, has sent these details about this year piping events: Pipers representing Scotland: Callum Moffat, David Shedden and Fred Morrison. Scottish Judges: Andrew Frater and Bruce Hitchings The MacCrimmon Trophy, for which contestants play music from…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Weekend Contests/ Lorient/ Breton CD/ Piobaireachd Letter