By MacStig ‘The best laid plans o’ mice and men, gang aft agley’…… It had been my intention to be in Banchory for the thrilling regional Grade 2 competition featuring the best of the North East. Like a bad joke about getting directions in Dublin – ‘if I was going there I wouldn’t be starting from here’, the journey overland from western parts to Banchory was too far in the…

The 2019 pipe band season got underway yesterday (May 11) at Newtownards Airport in the shadow of Scrabo Tower. Despite a bright and sunny day, a stiff breeze coming off Strangford Lough kept temperatures low. Sponsored by the North Down and Ards Borough Council, all manner of stalls and activities were laid on and this created a family friendly atmosphere which is what these events are all about. It was…

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…