Category: Reviews

Review of Bill Livingstone’s Book ‘Preposterous: Tales to Follow’

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This book shows glimpses of delicious interactions, thought processes and history, writes our special correspondent MacStig. It should become a standard read for anyone interested in the piping art, pipe bands and humanity. It is all there, fame, failure, family, humour, heartache, and hard work. The long anticipated reminiscences of renowned piper, lawyer, husband and now author, Bill Livingstone soar immediately from the opening paragraphs of his book ‘Preposterous: Tales…

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Some Personal Reflections on the 2017 Ceol Mor Competitions at Oban and Inverness

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Chris Terry has studied ceol mor throughout his life. In his competing years he won many top prizes in Scotland including several placings in the Gold Medal and this despite the necessity of having to travel thousands of miles each year at great expense to do so. He has been solo piping champion of South Africa on innumerable occasions. We are very grateful to Chris for taking the time to…

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Reflections on the Northern Meeting from P/M Ian McLellan

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Time for a first look back at this year’s Northern Meeting, one of the great gatherings in world solo piping, writes the Editor. I had a chat with P/M Ian McLellan, a senior adjudicator on the Former Winners’ MSR bench. He is concerned about the homogenisation of bagpipe sound and the lack of depth in many instruments. Ian, of course, needs no introduction to anyone in the pipe band or…

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Argyllshire Gathering – Final Thoughts and Former Winners’ MSR Review

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Firstly a mention for young Lewis Russell winner of the MacGregor Memorial piobaireachd competition, writes the Editor. This is a tough challenge for the aspiring young professional. Entrants have to play once in a qualifying heat and again in the final if they make it through. Lewis (17), from Livingston, has been taught since age 10 by Andrew Frater from Uphall. Andrew said: ‘Lewis is a natural player and very…

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The Argyllshire Gathering and a Look Back at Day 1- New Pic Added

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Well that’s the Argyllshire over for another year, and despite the difficulties some individuals try to throw in the way of this great gathering, I think it would be fair to say it all went off with nary a hitch, writes the Editor. All credit to Piping Convenor Torquil Telfer, his assistant Jamie Mellor and their stewards.  From speaking to the judges we had the usual mix of brilliant performances…

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