Category: Pipe Bands

Pipe Band History: P/M Ian Duncan and Vale of Atholl PIpe Band

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This short interview was made in 2001 when P/M Duncan retired after his landmark time at the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band. As well as taking the band from Grade 4 to the top of Grade 1 in 11 years, Ian and his brother Gordon set the trend for much of the pipe band music that is played today. A significant achievement. Ian is now a respected senior solo adjudicator and pipe…

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PP Ed’s Blog: New Letter on Judging/ Donald MacLeod Contest etc.

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Two new letters this morning, the first from Brian Mulhearn begins: ‘Hello Rob, Having been following the recent judging developments, I think you are looking at the situation from only one side….  The next is from Bill Robertson in New Zealand and begins: ‘Hello Rab, About two days ago I was on TV for the BBC world news when an item came up about the female Lone Piper for the Edinburgh Military…

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PP Ed’s Blog: N. Lanarkshire Schools Success/ SSPDT Instructor Wanted/ Vegas Piper/ 1967 Worlds

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Congratulations to North Lanarkshire Schools on being named Pipe Band of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards in Dundee at the weekend. It caps a great year for P/M Ross Cowan and his band coming as it does on top of their success at the Worlds in Novice A. They also continue to make an impression in junior solo contests with NLS pipers taking good prizes at Shotts last Saturday….

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African blackwood: New Protection Rule Exemption Brings Relief for Bagpipemakers

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On January 2 the African blackwood tree will be added to the protected species list of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This means that all trade in the wood, from the tree dalbergia melanoxylon, will be controlled and certified at a cost to the grower and the importer. CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export of species of flora…

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PP Ed’s Blog: Craigmount Cancelled/ Wheel of Fortune Reduce Entry Fees for 2017 Showpiece

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Saturday’s Craigmount Junior competition has been cancelled. The announcement was made last night. Organisers say they will contact all entrants individually. In a statement they say: ‘Due to unforeseen circumstances causing the event to no longer be financially viable, it is with regret that we advise that the Solo Competition on 3rd December is cancelled. We will contact all entrants in due course.’ This will be a disappointment to many…

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