A happy ending following our story of the other day. Malcolm Muir has his father’s pipes back. Writing in our comments section he says: ‘Wow here’s to the power of social media! Dad’s pipes have been found! ‘We’re over the moon and quite emotional as the owner, who despite his love of them and sentimental attachment, has agreed to come to an arrangement with us.’ Strapped for cash and against…

By the Editor Now that we know that all four performances by Grade 1 bands at the Worlds will count towards the final outcome, is it time for RSPBA officials to have a look at the draw? At the moment a band drawn first holds that playing position throughout what was the Qualifier and into the Saturday. This was seen as being unnecessarily unfair. With the new arrangements it will…

By Malcolm Muir A couple of years ago, much to my eternal regret, but because I needed the money, I sold my late father’s David Naill DN5 set of pipes via a buyer who has since sold them on. My circumstances have changed and I am now desperately trying to track down the current owner of the set so I can make an offer to buy them back. The set…

Grade 2 and Grade 1 below; other grades here. The UKs are at Lurgan, Northern Ireland, on June 15. Grade 2 – Final1 13:15 Colmcille 2 13:24 Ravara 3 13:33 North Stratton – Canada 4 13:42 Closkelt 5 13:51 Royal Burgh of Annan 6 14:00 Buchan Peterson 7 14:09 Mackenzie Caledonian 8 14:18 New Ross and District – Eire 9 14:27 Manorcunningham – Eire 10 14:36 Kilchoman Distillery Isle of…

Final rehearsals today for tonight’s pipes and organ recital in the magnificent Paisley Abbey. Organist George McPhee is a remarkable musician. At 83 he’s been the Abbey’s man at the keyboard for more than 50 years. Another unsung musical hero from the west of Scotland. George tells me the Abbey organ is the same as the main one in Notre Dame and that thankfully the Parisian ‘kist o’ whistles’ survived…