Well, we are where we are. But where are we? And are we where we want to be? Shouldn’t we be somewhere else? And if so how do we get from where we are to where we want to be? Don’t worry I’m baffled too, and I offer this writhing gobbledygook as an example of the sort of Rumsfeldian (known knowns etc.) mash talk ‘prose’ you will not find in the pages…
The new season of Northern Ireland’s Blackthorn Pipers’ Society gatherings, previously held in Dromore, Co Down, got off to a great start last night, 21st September, in a new Belfast city centre venue, the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in Gordon Street, writes John Kelly. Grahame Harris, who has succeeded Andy Wilson as the Society’s Secretary, welcomed the piping enthusiasts to the new venue. Taking part in the great evening’s craic were the main recitalist Kris Coyle…
We regret to have to report the passing of London stalwart Hugh ‘Baggy’ MacMillan and of Duncan MacDiarmid, of the Atholl Highlanders. On Hugh, Roddy Livingstone of the Scottish Piping Society of London has sent this: ‘Former SPSL President Hugh ‘Baggy’ MacMillan passed away after a short illness in Croydon University Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday 7th September. ‘He was born into a piping family, his father Malcolm…
Our first report from this year’s Northern Meeting covers the premier ceol beag event, the Former Winners’ March, Strathspey and Reel held in Eden Court Theatre on the evening of the first day of the Meeting. Just to qualify to play in this competition is a considerable achievement – you must have won the now amalgamated ‘A’ grade MSR or the previously separate Northern Meeting ‘A’ March or ‘A’ Strathspey &…
I judged the Oban Silver Medal with Ian Duncan and Malcolm McRae. I remind readers of the statement top left on this page. The standard has been better. I don’t know if it was the tuning facility in the rather dank Ceilidh House, but too many pipers just didn’t have settled instruments on which to demonstrate their prowess. As stated earlier, the winner was Nick Hudson, Pittsburgh, USA. His tune…
Recent Comments