Book of Tunes by Donald Morrison Re-Issued in Digital Format

Thirty five years ago Donald Morrison, the Champion PIper and noted composer, compiled a book of tunes. It was never properly marketed and when Donald died in 1988 interest in it lapsed. Recent correspondence with his daughter Sheona MacDonald and Piping Press editor Robert Wallace led to its being re-compiled in digital format and it is now offered to the public as an e-book. Sheona said: ‘I am delighted with…

Piping in WW2: Heroes of the Scottish Pipers’ Association

The second excerpt from Jeannie Campbell’s history of piping 1939-1945 which first appeared in Pipe Band magazine in 2007……. During the war years the Scottish Pipers’ Association continued to meet in Glasgow and to run their amateur/juvenile competitions. At the beginning of the War, Malcolm MacLean Currie was the Association Secretary. The full committee is pictured above in 1936. Malcolm Currie had served during the First World War as P/M…

Piping During WW2: Home and Abroad the Music Continued Regardless

The current hiatus in piping activity, more particularly in pipe band activity, has been likened to a similar fallow period during WW2. What was it like then? In this series piping historian Jeannie Campbell investigates and finds that there was much more going on than might be imagined…. Pipers took their traditions with them wherever they were stationed. A Highland Games was held on the North African shores of the…

Results of US-Based Competition: ‘World Online Solos’

Here is the list of winners in the professional piping section of this popular event run by Jori Chisholm of Seattle, USA. Click on the links to hear the winning performances. Highland dress is not worn. The full list of winners is available here. Piobaireachd1 Dr Brendon Eade (pictured), NZ, Lament for Donald Duaghal Mackay2 Ian K MacDonald, Canada, Lament for King George III3 James MacHattie, Canada, Glengarry’s March4 John Dew,…

Editor’s Notebook: Covid Fears for 2022 Season/ Charity Single/ Talk Piobaireachd/ Results from Yesteryear

All the indications are that the restrictions/ recommendations on social gatherings limited to three households, as announced yesterday, will extend at least until March. What impact this will have on band practices here in Scotland I know not. But I am concerned. The knock on effect for the 2022 season could be significant. Already we have had the cancellation of the Scottish Schools contest scheduled for the end of March….