McCallum Bagpipes to Sponsor Launch of Bill Livingstone Book

Meaghan Lyons, the publicist for Bill Livingstone’s book of memoirs, has sent this:  ‘Bill Livingstone is delighted to confirm McCallum Bagpipes Ltd as sponsor of a very special celebration of Preposterous: Tales to Follow, Bill’ soon-to-be-released memoirs. The event will take place on Thursday, 10th August 2017, 4.30 – 5.30pm, at the National Piping Centre and will be hosted by Stuart Liddell. ‘The hour-long event will include a reading of selected…

P/M Donald MacLeod: New Slideshow Depicting His Life & Times

The great Donald MacLeod died 35 years ago last month, writes the Editor. Today we mark this with a new slideshow (link at foot of column) depicting the life and times of the master piper with thanks to the unnamed reader who alerted us to this important anniversary. Donald MacLeod was born in 1917 and died in 1982.  He was one of the greatest pipers of the 20th century both…

Harpenden Highland Games Results (Pix Added)

Glorious sunshine and a very busy Highland Games with lots of different activities and events. Pipe Bands, vintage cars, dancers, birds of prey, rock bands and sprinting races amongst others! Possibly the most varied and entertaining Games on the circuit. Piping was at the top of the hill away from any distracting noise and with a great view of the whole Gathering. All six competing pipers were amateur status. It…

A Brief History of the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships

Saturday sees this important pipe band competition being held at  Lurgan, Northern Ireland. Here our correspondent in the Province, John Kelly (left), RSPBANI Honorary Vice-President, takes a look back at the championship. John acknowledges that much of what is below has been compiled largely from an article by the late Fred Walker, former President of the Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA. The picture above is of the Field Marshal…

A Review of Grade 2 at the 2017 European Championships

Grant Park, Forres, looked calm and pristine the night before proceedings, as the vendors were leaving the scene to return in the morning, writes our Special Correspondent. A small ceilidh was going on in the main marquee. The white lines were there to be seen and the circles of four arenas stood by to host the music makers of 110 bands for the 2017 European Championships. With very little darkness…