Alan Walters/ Captain Ian Cameron

It is with sincere regret that we learn of the passing of Alan Walters, British Columbia, renowned piper, teacher and adjudicator, writes the Editor. Alan died at his home in Surrey, BC. Alan was a brilliant piper with fingers as good as any I have ever heard – and that includes the best pipers over the past 60 years. He was highly musical, naturally gifted. He travelled to Scotland in…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Draw/ Sons of Holyland Success/ New Argylls Book/ Ian C Cameron/ Cowal 1983

Can someone explain why it is necessary to have Grade 1 qualifying on the Friday of the Worlds? From what my small brain can detect there are perfectly adequate timings for the Saturday for all 14 bands. No crush to get them all in. Why have them all playing on the Friday as well? Seems unnecessary and added expense. Who goes through? Are those who don’t make it discarded from…

Famous Pipers: Fifty Years Since the Passing of Robert U. Brown, Balmoral – Part 3

We continue with our tributes and comments on what proved to be RU Brown, Balmoral’s, final teaching and recital tour abroad to Australia. This is taken from the South Australian Pipe Band Association’s Newsletter…. It is with sadness that I [Ern Dowler, Vice-Principal Piping, South Australia] write these few words to the unforgettable memory of Pipe Major RU Brown and of experiences shared with him, above all his wonderful knowledge…

Luss Games Results (Updated with Pictures and Results)

Light rain showers interspersed dry spells at this picturesque games on the banks of Loch Lomond. It was not cold. There was an entry of 12 in the Open categories, three in the Juniors and eight in the CLASP amateur events. Judges for piobaireachd were Wille Morrison and Ronnie MacShannon, and for light music, Ian McLellan and myself, writes the Editor. Bobby Allan was worthy winner of the Open Piobaireachd…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Prices/ SPA Meeting/ PS Summer School/ Festival of Junior Piping/ Luss Games

Tickets are now on sale for the Worlds and already there has been a frisson of discontent regarding spectator prices. One reader has written: ‘I have noticed that tickets for the Worlds have just gone on sale on the Tickets (theworlds.co.uk) ‘I am a little shocked at the various add-ons to the face value of the ticket, thus…. A 12% booking fee will be added to all tickets A £1…