The Piobaireachd Society has published a new book on piping in the British Army. The author, the late military historian and amateur piper, Diana Henderson, describes the ways in which the great Highland bagpipe was taught in the British Army from 1650 to 1959. By quoting from original sources, the author outlines the extraordinary efforts of the Society in establishing and then supporting the ‘Army Class’, the foundation for today’s…

I found some of the responses to the worries over the numbers of bands in Grade 1 disappointing but not untypical of grassroots attitudes in the pipe band world. Something’s wrong, therefore criticise those who offer solutions whilst offering none yourself. Strange, but not uncommon. We met the same grumblers when we proposed an open semi circle instead of the circle arrangement for Grade 1. Sadly the grumblers have prevailed….