PP Editor’s Blog: Paisley Contest/ Ardrossan/ Antigonish

I see that Scottish Power pipe band have entered next Saturday’s minor contest at Paisley (July 23rd). Well done to the band for that. Their presence will inspire the smaller bands and give them a chance to hear one of the best in the world. It will be a good marketing opportunity for the Power’s sponsors too and help ensure continued funding – very important.  The contest starts at 10.30am…

Pipe Major Comments on Recent Discussion on Low Attendance of Bands at Minor Contests

Some observations on Andy Donaldson’s recent correspondence based on my experiences with lower grade and youth bands post my time with Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. I agree with Andrew, however I believe there are additional factors that need to be considered and these may help to widen the debate. The area I have chosen to focus on concerns what Andrew describes as ‘semi-professional’ juvenile bands and how they may now be…

History: Pipe Band of the London Scottish and Some Special Sets of Pipes

The following is taken from the January 1938 edition of the Piping and Dancing Journal. It evokes much of the spirit of the times, less than 18 months before the outbreak of WW2. We wonder what happened to the pipes mentioned below and which must still be in circulation with the P/M’s set easily identifiable from the silver plate inscription mentioned. If any reader has any further information, or is…

Inveraray Games/ Worlds & Dumbarton Draws/ Denver Cardwell/ PP Logo

Very healthy entry for Inveraray Games on July 19, not surprising given that there are events for all grades and under 18s – and the contest is generally very well run with covered areas for competitions performance and turning. Here is the batting order in the B Piob: Read the full list of entries here: Inveraray order of play. Check out the Guide to the Games for the rest of the…

PP Ed’s Blog: New Book from Jackie/ Minor Contests/ John MacDougall

There has been a very good response to yesterday’s post about minor band contests, in particular a comment from Andy Donaldson, whose letter sparked the interest. Good response too to the poll. Have your say below, but if you haven’t already read the first story you can do so here.[polldaddy poll=9462566] Here’s a flavour of what Andy wrote: ‘I have played in every grade and it certainly wasn’t the norm…