Category: Pipe Music

History: Famous Composer John Balloch

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My great grandfather was John Balloch [above], the composer of such popular tunes at the 25th KOSB’s Farewell to Meerut and Auchmountain’s Bonnie Glen. His son Donald, my grandfather, was also a piper. Auchmountain’s Bonnie Glen is a well known beauty spot near Greenock where P/M Balloch settled before WW1. There may be other unattributed tunes of his in the Royal Scots Collection by James Robertson. By Stuart Herron His…

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Revisiting the Past: 2/4 Marches and a Letter from Archibald Campbell

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Until the advent of recordings, music was ephemeral. Performances faded from memory, save for occasional outstanding examples imprinted on our minds. Memories become clouded in time, however.  Historic recordings can remind us of what we heard in the past. I am old enough to detect that march playing has arguably deteriorated, even at the highest level.  I can assure readers this is not just a personal view – it is shared…

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Royal Honour for the Piobaireachd Society

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His Majesty The King has agreed to become Patron of The Piobaireachd Society. The news was received by President Robert Wallace in a letter from Buckingham Palace last weekend. It was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the King and Queen’s Coronation. In a message to the Society’s 1,000+ membership Mr Wallace wrote: ‘I am delighted to be able to tell you that HM The King has agreed…

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Highlands & Islands Festival 2024 Senior & Junior Results

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Another successful competition was held in the Oban High School today, Saturday, May 4, with healthy entries in most competitions. Sponsors included the Piobaireachd Society, RG Hardie & Co, McCallum Bagpipes and the Competing Pipers’ Association. P/A Ceol Mor for Cooper Salver (1st) and Dugald MacColl Memorial Trophy (2nd).1 Angus J MacColl, I Got a Kiss of the King’s Hand 2 Angus MacPhee, Lament for MacSwan of Roaig3 Calum Watson,…

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Draws Announced for British Pipe Band Championship

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The second Major Championship of 2024, the British, will be held at Forres, Moray, on June 8. This will be the first British for two years. There was no contest last year due to the sponsor’s financial difficulties. The winners in 2022 were Inveraray under P/M Stuart Liddell. They were placed second by both piping judges but won drumming and ensemble. Second placed Field Marshall won first from both piping…

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