History of the Pipe Band Movement 1880 – 1939

We conclude our look at pipe band history with another instalment from Jeannie Campbell. This article first appeared in PIpe Band Magazine in 2003… The first pipe bands outside the Army date from the 1880s. A tune named the ‘Midlothian Amateur Pipe Band’ was published in David Glen’s Tutor in 1881 so presumably there was a band of that name at the time. The Govan Police Pipe Band was one of…

Million Dollar Act Need Info on Pipe Tune/ New Piobaireachd Tutor Book Praised

A hugely popular Australia-based children’s show want to use a pipe tune as part of their act but have as yet failed to get copyright clearance. Leanne Williams, International Royalties Manager for ‘The Wiggles’, has written: ‘I’m hoping you can help me. I’ve been trying to get in contact with the Pinkman family regarding the tune Itchy Fingers and have been in contact with P/M Iain Grant and Mike Greene from…

Modern History of the Pipe Band Movement from WW2

This article first appeared in PIpe Band magazine in 2003. The writer was Jeannie Campbell….. The Second World War interrupted the pipe band contests, which were resumed in 1946. In 1947 the Association decided to take the World Championship away from Cowal as they had had a good offer from Edinburgh City Council which wanted it to be held there to coincide with the new Festival. Cowal refused to give up…

PP Ed’s Blog: Adjudicator Panel/ London Pictures/ Inverness Recital etc.

Congratulations to John Wilson (left) on his election as Convenor of the RSPBA’s Adjudicator Panel following their meeting last weekend. The full list of appointments was: Convener: John Wilson Vice Convener: Peter Snaddon Secretary: Robert Mathieson Drum Major Adjudicators’ Representative: John Noble Piping Adjudicators’ Representative: Donald MacPhee Drumming Adjudicators’ Representative: Paul Turner Ensemble Adjudicators’ Representative: Cameron Edgar I hope the previous difficulties are now forgotten and the panel can move on. I hope too that they will consider reinstating Ian…

PP Ed’s Blog: Bruce’s Prize/ Scottish School Champs/ Argylls Book/ Trad Nominees/ Piob Query

When is piobaireachd preference not piobaireachd preference? Last Saturday’s showpiece Glenfiddich Championship at Blair Castle produced a three-way tie in points between three pipers Roderick MacLeod, William McCallum and Bruce Gandy.  The results were: Ceol Mor – 1 R MacLeod 2 S Liddell 3 I Speirs 4 J Lee 5 B Gandy Ceol Beag – 1 W McCallum 2 B Gandy 3 A MacColl 4 F Johnston  5 I Speirs Points were allocated on a 5,4,3,2,1, basis and…