History of the Clan MacRae Society Pipe Band – Part 4

The spirit of the MacRae goes back to 1880 and the 3rd Volunteer Bt. Highland Light Infantry (7th HLI), with P/M Farquhar MacRae in charge. Into 1913 it became the City of Glasgow Pipe Band, the idea of sporting Hunting MacRae tartan born from within its ranks, and then on to the final name change and the birth of the Clan MacRae Society Pipe Band. Throughout the band’s illustrious existence…

Piping Teacher Wanted for Glasgow Schools as P/M Peter MacInnes, Scots Guards, Retires

Following the retirement of P/M Peter MacInnes (above), Glasgow schools are looking for a new piping tutor with the intention of forming a schools band. The job pays £33 – £44k per year for 35 hours a week and its based in the City Halls in Albion Street in the heart of the Merchant City district. The blurb reads: ‘Glasgow City Council is seeking to appoint an Instructor of Piping…

Glengarry Cup, Ottawa, Results

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…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds and Nat/ Old Boggies Celebrate/ Bill’s New Job/ MacKay Cairn/ Angus’s Winning Jig

There has been quite a lot of overheated speculation about the Worlds and Nat Russell, most of it rather wide of the mark. I have gathered considerable information on what actually happened and what Mr Russell’s placings were but cannot in all honesty share it with you. Nothing would be gained by such exposure. Nat Russell is a Worlds-winning Pipe Major. He is a senior adjudicator with 60 years dedication…

My Father, Double Gold Medallist William M. MacDonald

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…