Category: Pipe Bands

History: Scottish School Exams in Piping

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Around fifty years ago the Institute of Piping met to formulate a plan that was transform the teaching of piping in Scotland. The Institute aimed to petition the Scottish Education Department to have the bagpipe accepted as an instrument in music exams. The Institute had been formed by the Piobaireachd Society, the College of Piping and the Army School of Piping act as an examining body for the bagpipe. It…

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New Blowstick Promotion from FLUX

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FLUX blow sticks and manufacturers McCallum Bagpipes have sent this: Safeguard against moisture with a revolutionary moisture control system suited to all bagpipers. We are introducing a new FLUX Blowpipe+ which uses new technology to absorb 4x more moisture, creating an even better product than you have experienced before to make the moisture control experience truly seamless. What’s new with the Flux Blowpipe +? A new specially engineered needlefelt cloth…

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Editor’s Notebook: Winter School/ Angus MacKay/ Brighde at COP/ Oldest Band/ Roddy Cannon

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We are well into the 2021 Northern Winter School here on the plains of Lower Saxony and as I write the music mingles with forests and fields that have borne witness to the best and worst of human conduct. In this little corner of Lohheide over 50 piping and drumming students banish the pandemic memories, learn their rudiments and re-kindle old friendships. The format is, as ever, hard work in…

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My Tribute to Balvenie Medal Winner John Wilson

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This tribute was given in person at the Glenfiddich Championship held at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, on October 30, where the writer was Master of Ceremonies….. The Balvenie Medal is awarded annually at the Glenfiddich Championship to recognize a lifetime contribution to piping. It’s the giving back, selflessly giving of one’s self, that is the key criterion for the awarding of this prestigious medal. If I may use a term…

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RSPBA NI Branch Administrator Retires and Replacement Named 

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These last few months has seen change within the NI Branch with the retirement of Ian Burrows from his administrator role and the appointment of Michelle Shilliday as his replacement. Ian, who gave nine years of dedicated service, had succeeded Lindsey Ellis who resigned from her position in 2012 when she relocated to Scotland. Indeed Ian would actually have stepped down in September 2020 as announced by the RSPBANI Executive…

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