Review of Bill Livingstone’s Book ‘Preposterous: Tales to Follow’

This book shows glimpses of delicious interactions, thought processes and history, writes our special correspondent MacStig. It should become a standard read for anyone interested in the piping art, pipe bands and humanity. It is all there, fame, failure, family, humour, heartache, and hard work. The long anticipated reminiscences of renowned piper, lawyer, husband and now author, Bill Livingstone soar immediately from the opening paragraphs of his book ‘Preposterous: Tales…

Pitlochry Games Results

A sunny day in central Perthshire for one of the last Highland games of the year. Unfortunately the entry was, like many games this year, on the poor side, writes the Editor. Fellow judge Archie Maclean and I have asked the games committee to consider the re-introduction of a piobaireachd event (they had one many years ago). Such a competition may improve the entry at this games and would certainly…

Hurricane Harvey and How it has Badly Affected St Thomas’ Episcopal School Pipe Band

Hurricane Harvey has wreaked devastation across much of Texas, not least in Houston, home of the well-known St Thomas’ Episcopal School Pipe Band. Piping Press Editor Robert Wallace contacted his friend, the school’s headmaster Mike Cusack, to see if we could do anything to help. Mike and Band Director Lyric Todkill have given us some harrowing details. The band has lost pipes, smallpipes, drums, music and recording equipment. If any…

PP Ed’s Blog: Inverness Recital/ Bobby at N Uist/ Northern Winter School/ South Florida/ Bagpipe Sound/ Belfast Tattoo

Alastair Campbell, Secretary of the Inverness Piping Society, has sent notice of a recital by two of the north’s most promising young pipers: ‘Please do come along to the Society’s meeting this Wednesday (tonight) to hear Cameron MacDougall, fresh from his win in the Silver Medal at Oban, along with Charles Macdonald. Usual venue – The Club, Gordon Terrace, Inverness. 7.45 pm.’ I hope as many people as possible get along…

Reflections on the Northern Meeting from P/M Ian McLellan

Time for a first look back at this year’s Northern Meeting, one of the great gatherings in world solo piping, writes the Editor. I had a chat with P/M Ian McLellan, a senior adjudicator on the Former Winners’ MSR bench. He is concerned about the homogenisation of bagpipe sound and the lack of depth in many instruments. Ian, of course, needs no introduction to anyone in the pipe band or…