P/M Iain Robertson 1976-2023: A Tribute

It was with great sadness I heard of the passing of my friend Pipe Major Iain Mitchell Robertson. Iain died peacefully at his home in Palmerston North, New Zealand, on Saturday, 14th December, after a long battle with cancer. He was 46. Affectionally known as ‘Robbo’ by most, he was one of New Zealand’s top solo pipers, judges, teachers, and a long-time member and Pipe Major of the Grade 1 New…

Responses and Conclusions in My Search for the Origin of My Historic Pipes

A few readers got in touch after yesterday’s story on the pipes. Jim Robb: ‘Alan Bain maintained that his family’s ‘Avernish Pipes’ were made from hazel wood and had been bored with a red hot rod. They could still be played with a fairly modern chanter and were known in the family as ‘The Auld Sticks’. He said they had been made in Avernish, Kintail, and were about 200 years…

History: GS, Bob Nicol and the 1926 Northern Meeting

The results below, and the photograph above, are of undoubted interest to all pipers. The photograph is of George S McLennan and Robert B Nicol, clearly at a Highland Games. Not surprisingly, the original photograph, almost 100 years old, has faded due to age and the bottom of it has been torn off. What you see is one considerably enhanced thanks to modern-day technology. I found the picture in the effects of…

Editor’s Notebook: Scott’s Competition March/ Piobaireachd Grounds/ Scottish Pipers/ Pipes Plea

Following Dale Brown’s recent piece on the ‘same old, same old‘ pipe marches being chosen in competition, James MacHattie contacted us with regard to a less well known tune he often submits and is asked to play: Margaret Anne MacLeod. It is by the late Scott MacAulay and seems a good going piece. Following James’s message, Dale has now kindly forwarded us a copy of the tune. Could someone oblige…

Christmas Present Ideas from the Piobaireachd Society and Piping Press

Struggling to find the perfect gift for your piping loved one or friend? Why not send a Piobaireachd Society Gift Voucher? They’re available from £5 to £100 and are emailed to the lucky recipient so no worries about mailing in time for the big day. PS Gift Vouchers are offered at five prices: £5, £10, £25, £50 and £100. They make a great present for any piper and can be…