Peter Bain’s Bagpipe – Part 2

I was contacted by the current owner, Peter Aumonier, and a previous student of my great-grandfather’s, Malcolm McRae, writes John Gillies. Malcolm purchased the pipes on behalf of Donald Bain who took them with him to New Zealand after my great-grandfather’s death. Peter and I were able to video call so I was able to see the pipes, a beautiful set of 1908 hallmarked silver and ivory Hendersons, with a unique…

‘Return from the Battlefield’ Recital/ All Ireland Solos Results

Inverness Piping Society are starting their recital programme at Inverness Golf Club on 3rd October,  with ‘Return from the Battlefield’, featuring Duncan MacGillivray and Dougie Pincock, both former members of the Battlefield Band folk group and exceptional pipers in their own right.  Duncan was the first piper with the Battlefield, joining them in 1979, and recording several albums with them whilst touring all over the world. By Les Hutt A serious…

Florida Pipe & Drum Academy/ RSPBA Regradings/ Drumming Festival

Director Chris McKeown has announced dates and a new venue for the annual Florida Pipe & Drum Academy. The 2026 school will be held from February 22 – 27 at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida. Chris writes: ‘We’re planning something you won’t want to miss, and we hope to see you there. We are at a new venue where meals and lodging are part of your…

Review: ‘The Ivernia Collection’ by Tim Farrelly 

Ivernia is one of the oldest recorded names for Ireland and this book contains many old melodies and contemporary pipe music from that island. The compiler, Tim Farrelly, is the current P/M of Grade 2 St Joseph’s PB, Clondalkin. His upbringing in piping has been strongly influenced by the Irish traditional music scene and in this book he pays tribute to a variety of individuals who have shaped his music,…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Comments/ RT Shepherd/ Eilidh’s Trust/ PS Summer School

A respected figure in the pipe band movement has commented on the Worlds and the current arrangements at Glasgow Green. His views follow yesterday’s from RSPBA Chairman Bob Niven but are not related. Our correspondent asked us not to publish his name. He writes: ‘Did everyone enjoy the World Championships this year? I listened to the Grade 2 MSR in the morning and, with the exception of Glasgow Skye, who…