Following the retiral of Harry Denyer, Tommy Geddis took on the role of Pipe Major which he held for two years, 1955 – 1956, after which his family went to live in Canada. The RAMS are pictured above in 1956. From the 1955 season the Armstrong played in the Open Grade at home whilst in Scotland it was Grade 3. Successes included winning the Open Grade Ulster title (also drums)…

By Robert Wallace Breton piper Patrick Molard has sent me a video recording of the ground of The Piper’s Warning to His Master from the Donald MacDonald MS where it is known as MacDonald’s Warning. Those not au fait with the tune will be intrigued to know of the legend which states that the imprisoned piper deliberately misplayed the piece so that his approaching chief would know ambush awaited. Patrick…

Our Northern Ireland correspondent Gilbert Cromie begins a history of one of Ulster’s iconic pipe bands of yesteryear, a band that help lay the foundation of the Province’s modern, burgeoning pipe band movement….. The Robert Armstrong Memorial Pipe Band was formed in the autumn of 1947 by members of the Church Lads’ Brigade Pipe Band which was connected to St Aiden’s Parish Church, Blythe Street, Belfast.  The St Aiden’s Church…

The SPA’s annual competition for young pipers aged 18 and under was held under video submission rules for the first time. Main sponsors were MacCallum Bagpipes. The contest attracted a large entry with the results announced this weekend with a very high standard of piping particularly in the U-18 category. The winners were: 18 & Under Piobaireachd1 Cameron May, Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay2 Hazel Whyte, Battle of Auldearn No…

To give everyone some focus we publish the list of pipe band major championships we hope will be fulfilled during the 2021 summer season. Now that a covid vaccination programme has started in the UK, will there could be a return to normal in just over five months time? However, we should not assume a smooth resumption of pipe band contests as we know them, at least in the early…