PP Editor’s Blog: Pipes for Sale/ 2016 Band Tunes/ Comedy Caption

Piobaireachd authority and renowned teacher Jimmy McIntosh has a superb set of Robertson pipes for sale. Check out PP Classifieds. James Robertson was an Edinburgh based pipe maker who took over the business of John and James Center when they emigrated to Australia in 1908. His instruments are distinguished by the large, heavy projecting mounts and a deep, steady tone (see pic above). <a href=”https://ppresshop.myshopify.com/cart/7581451075:1″ target=”_blank”>Buy Highland Bagpipe Makers by…

P/M Richard Parkes on Losing the Worlds and the Future for FM and Himself

P/M Richard Parkes MBE of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is the most successful pipe major of recent times. He has ten World titles to his name and countless other major championships. This year he was heading for his fifth Worlds in a row when, at Glasgow Green last August, the band suffered a major reverse, the 2015 title going to Shotts and Dykehead. How does a band…

PP Editor’s Blog: David Murray/ Glenfiddich/ Advertisers/ Pipe Band Roadshow

It was a pleasure yesterday to speak to David Murray on the phone. David has just celebrated his 94th birthday and is still taking a keen interest in piping via Piping Press. In his time he was President of the Piobaireachd Society, Piping Convenor at the Northern Meeting, a highly respected Senior Adjudicator, Director of the Edinburgh Tattoo, and a writer of note. His articles on competitions and piping history…

Free Drumming Scores/ Gordon Wins Highland Games League/ Gordon Walker – More Great Pix

In a very generous gesture, leading pipe band drumming expert John Moneagle has kindly donated his scores for eight popular tunes free of charge to Piping Press readers. Each score comes with a sound file of how the tune should be played. Access them via the Search facility and also read about John’s very distinguished career as a pipe band drummer, leading tip and drumming educator. We’d like to thank John for this…

PP Editor’s Blog: KO Contests/ Caption Contest/ Rosneath Thoughts/ World Drumming

Congratulations to Craig Muirhead on winning through to the next round of the Scots Guards KO against Brian Lamond. The first round of the SPA KO is on November 7 at the College of Piping. The jousters are Finlay Johnston and John Patrick. 7.30 start, bar and refreshments. The Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA have sent this: ‘Thanks to Ian Burrows, pictures from all 2015 pipe band contests (except Rostrevor)…