John MacDonald, Inverness, Letter; Govan Piping Initiative

Today we publish an interesting letter from John Macdonald, Inverness, to Archibald Campbell, Kilberry. It discusses two tunes, ‘Lament for the Union’ and ‘Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry.’ Read more here. [wds id=”3″] The newsletter of the Govan Weavers Society reports major progress with the piping initiative in this well-known, but not well off, suburb of Glasgow. It reads: ‘In July it was intimated that the Piping Initiative…

Brian Wins ‘the Wheel’ (updated with sound file)

Fife’s Brian Lamond was the winner of the popular ‘Wheel of Fortune’ piping contest held today in Danderhall Miners Welfare south of Edinburgh, writes Robert WallacBrian (pictured above celebrating at the wheel) was placed first ahead of Alasdair Henderson and Calum Beaumont in the overall contest. The MSR was won by Niall Stewart, Kyle, and the joke telling contest, for the umpteenth time, by the overall winner himself. (Too risqué…

Draw for Wheel of Fortune/ PP Miscellany/ Drumming Prizes Poll

Paul White: The City of Edinburgh Pipe Band is pleased to announce that the draw has been made for the 2015 Pipe Majors Wheel of Fortune competition. The event, which will be held in Danderhall Miners Club on Saturday 7th February, will see some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians take part in a unique competition where musical expression and entertainment comes to the fore.   The order of play is…

Lomond & Clyde Seek New P/M & A Look Back at 1823

P/M David Wotherspoon has stepped down as P/M of the Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band after a very successful period in charge, winning many major championships in Grade 2. In a statement the band said: ‘The band would like to announce that Pipe Major David Wotherspoon has this evening stepped down from his position with Lomond and Clyde.  ‘Davie has been instrumental to the band’s progression since being appointed to the position…

Uist & Barra Announcement

U&B Piping Convenor John Angus Smith has sent this: ‘I thought the attached notice for the 2015 Uist & Barra Invitational Piping Competition would be of interest. Fourteen of the best UK-based pipers in the world have been invited to compete in each event, with the invitation list drawn from major prize winners in 2014. The competition will be held at the College of Piping, Glasgow, on 7th March from…