My Tune for P/M Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band

A couple of weeks ago the editor mentioned on his blog a new piobaireachd that had been composed by piper, adjudicator and professional reedmaker Donald MacPhee. The tune commemorates the remarkable achievements of P/M Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and here Donald gives us the background to his composition….. Many thanks for your kind thoughts on the tune. The story behind it: I was a piper in Field…

PP Ed's Blog: Inveraray PB/ BB Exhibition/ Pipers' Persuasion/ Judges Poll/ Jubilee March

I hear Inveraray Pipe Band are to pipe in the New Year on BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay television show. It caps off a great year for the band after they were crowned World Champions on Glasgow Green last August. Add to that the fact that P/Sgt Alasdair Henderson won the Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting and Leading Drummer Steven McWhirter the World Solos and you can see that the band…

New South Wales Solo Piping & Drumming Championships

The 2017 New South Wales Solo Piping and Drumming Championships were held at the wonderful location of Scots College, Sydney on Sunday 19th November 2017. On the day, the NSWPBA also presented the first annual trophies for the newly initiated yearly aggregate championships. These results are taken from the aggregate results of four contests held throughout the year and will hopefully encourage competitors to support multiple events and improve their playing by keeping…

Colin MacLellan Resigns from the College of Piping

The College of Piping has announced the following: ‘The College of Piping announces that due to pressure of other commitments, Colin MacLellan has decided to step down from his position as Director of Piping with effect from the end of November 2017. ‘The College is very grateful to Colin for his hard work in the short time he was in the role and is pleased that Colin will remain associated…

Judging Dilemma – When is it Time to Call it a Day?

At what age should a judge retire? In the pipe band world this is set at 75. After that, irrespective of your health, it is time to hang up the clipboard. No more standing in the rain listening to 30 Grade 4b performances and other such delights these dedicated professionals have to endure on the bands’ behalf. No, it’s straight into the armchair with a bag of peppermints and re-runs…