PP Ed's Blog: Reflections on NZ/ Silver Medal Tunes/ SPA AGM/ Schools Trust Job

Reflecting on my recent visit to New Zealand I really must doff the bonnet to all those pipers who, over many years, have made the long trek to the Northern Hemisphere to compete at Oban and Inverness (and bands who get the cash and time together to do the same to compete at the Worlds). Only when you’ve done it do you really appreciate the commitment required – and it…

RSPBA Vice Chairman's Bid to Trace Uncle's Pipes from World War 2

RSPBA Vice Chairman John Hughes has contacted the Editor: ‘Just doing a bit of research into a shield that was presented to my uncle William Chisholm in 1943 from the Piobaireachd Society and with your extensive knowledge of the solo piping scene I thought I would seek your assistance. ‘I’ve attached an image of the shield and wondered if you had any insight into why it would have been presented….

Johnstone PB to Headline Major Concert at Celtic Connections/ Northern Ireland Charity Function

Press release from Johnstone PB: Johnstone Pipe Band (pictured above) are delighted to have been invited to perform on the main stage at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday the 20th January as part of the city’s 2018 Celtic Connections festival.  Pipe Major Keith J Bowes said: ‘We are really excited that the opportunity has come our way to showcase the band on the platform of the Royal Concert Hall. It…

Row Over Comments Made by Colin MacLellan Reach National Press

The judging storm over comments made by Solo Piping Judges Association Chairman Mr Colin MacLellan about the teaching ability of one of his members, Mr Barry Donaldson, has been picked up by the national press in Scotland. The debacle was first highlighted in Piping Press and has been on going since last autumn. The Scottish Daily Mail headline their story ‘Battle of the Bagpipes – blow for reputation of pastime…

Hogmanay at Waipu on New Zealand's North Island

For the first time in six decades I have spent New Year in the Southern Hemisphere. Strange feeling to wake up on December 31 to sunshine and temperatures around 25 degs. C, first footing ‘neath the Southern Cross.  Still, it was something I just had to put up with – all in the name of my daughter’s wedding and judging at the Waipu Highland Games on New Zealand’s North Island….