Category: Reviews

Glengarry Cup, Ottawa, Results

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On Saturday, September 23, the Ottawa Branch of the Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario held the Glengarry Cup, writes Karine Mayers, President. The overall winner by piobaireachd preference was Ian K. MacDonald. New this year, a Piobaireachd contest was held in the afternoon followed by an MSR contestin the evening. The contest drew a crowd of 100, filling the room at the Army Officers’ Mess, in Ottawa. Piob:1…

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My Father, Double Gold Medallist William M. MacDonald

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A new book has been published featuring the compositions of the late William M. MacDonald, Inverness, and his son Brian. In his Foreword, Brian gives illuminating insight into his father’s life and career…. My father was born in Kingussie on 6th August 1918 and inherited his musical talent from his mother who was a Munro from Sutherland. As a boy he was first taught piping in Kingussie by Captain Norman…

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History of the Clan MacRae Society Pipe Band – Part 3

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It is believed that Hamish McColl MM was Pipe Sergeant when Willie Fergusson retired and he was unanimously appointed Pipe Major. McColl held the position for 18 months, a relatively short tenure, but maintained the competition standard.  For reasons unknown, he moved to the Rutherglen Rechabites band and was replaced in the MacRae by John Findlay Nicoll.  He continued the band’s incredible success and emulated Pipe Major Fergusson’s famous 1920s…

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All Ireland Solo Piping & Drumming: News, Results and Comment

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This competition was held last Saturday (Sept.16) in a school in Lusk, north of Dublin. It was very well attended by pipers and drummers from both the north and south of Ireland, writes the Editor. Hosts were the Irish Pipe Band Association. They share responsibility for the contest with the RSPBA Northern Ireland. IPBA President Con O’Conaill announced at the prize-giving that he was standing down after 47 years service….

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History of the Clan MacRae Society Pipe Band – Part 2

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In 1925 contests took place at Grangemouth, Kirkcaldy, Bathgate, Dundee, Leith and Markinch, with the Clan MacRae continuing their successes. The most significant result for P/M Willie Fergusson (left) and the band was at Cowal, where they emerged as World Champions, winning the Argyll Shield ahead of their 1924 rivals, Millhall, with MacLean third and the 7th HLI fourth. Although the band did not repeat their Cowal World Championship win…

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