PP Ed's Blog: Judging Poll/ Scottish Schools/ Sponsorship/ Nerves Cure/Overseas Trips

It would seem that most readers think we should be allowing judges to keep going irrespective of age provided they are healthy. That’s the main finding of our poll launched last week following my article Judging Dilemma – When is it Time to Call it a Day?  Forty-three per cent of respondents thought this the best way forward, even though it puts them out of step with the RSPBA who…

RSPBA's Graeme Johnston Junior Solo Piping

This popular contest is run by the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch of the RSPBA. The competition was held in the College of Piping. Champion Piper Bobby Allan is pictured above with the McCallum Prize Pipe. The branch expressed its gratitude  to the sponsors who included: McCallum Bagpipe Ltd; Wallace Bagpipes and Donald MacPhee Reed Maker. The judge for all events was Donald MacPhee. [wds id=”2″] The results were as…

Pipe Bands Australia Announce New Hall of Fame

PBA have sent this: Nominations are now open for four new prestigious awards within Pipe Bands Australia to recognise outstanding contributions and achievements of members to advancing performance, education and promotion on a national scale.  The Pipe Bands Australia Hall of Fame will initially see the induction of 12 legends of the movement followed by the inclusion of up to two new legends every two years. PBA president Chris Earl…

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…