Blair Atholl Games Draw and a Tribute to Alex

I attach the draws and judges for the piping competitions at the Atholl Gathering to be held this Sunday, May 29, on the Atholl Estate, Blair Atholl, writes Dr Jack Taylor. Readers may be interested to know that at the Atholl Highlanders Parade the previous day, Saturday May 28, from 2.30-3.45pm, there will be a Moment of Remembrance for piper Alex Duncan, Atholl Highlanders (1994-2020). Alex is pictured above in his…

Famous Pipers: Fifty Years Since the Passing of Robert U. Brown, Balmoral – Part 2

We continue with excerpts from the tribute edition of the South Australian Pipe Band Newsletter from 1972 which marked Bob Brown’s death after a teaching and recital tour there. The above photograph of Bob was taken during the trip. The caption reads: ‘Pipe Major RU Brown at Port Pirie Highland Games in South Australia. Invited as Official Guest to open the Games. Driven 200 miles north of Adelaide. Occupants of…

Famous Pipers: Fifty Years Since the Passing of Robert U. Brown, Balmoral

Bob Brown, King’s Piper, renowned teacher and competitor is well known in the solo piping world. He was a direct link to the teaching of John MacDonald, Inverness, and after retiring from his job on the Royal estates on Deeside dedicated himself to passing on what he had learned to the next generation of pipers. This teaching involved travel. In 1972 he was to make his last fateful tour abroad,…

Piping and Drumming Instructors Wanted/ Premier Florida Contest Update

Part time piping and drumming instructors are required for the Blairgowrie, Angus, schools area. The spec reads: ‘To develop a performance pipe band by delivering lessons in the Blairgowrie and District Community Schools area, running band practices, and organising performances. ‘The programme is managed by the Blairgowrie and District Schools Pipe Band Committee, which is a constituted voluntary organisation. The post-holder will report to the committee. ‘Lessons will take place…

Entries for New Helensburgh Competition/ Piping Forum to be Held Next Month

I have set up a new solo piping competition in Helensburgh. It is sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society and two local businesses, writes Colina Helen Campbell.  All details are in the entry form attached.  This is a new solo piping competition being held following the cancellation this year of the BPC-Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships, Helensburgh, and the Rosneath Solo Piping competition. The aim of the new competition is to provide a…