New Bronze Medal Competition Gives Major Boost to Solo Piping

The Competing Pipers’ Association is delighted to announce the creation of the brand new in 2022, inaugural Bronze Medal Piobaireachd contest, writes Ross Miller, Secretary. With the blessing of the Northern Meeting and Argyllshire Gathering, and generous funding from the Piobaireachd Society and the William Grant Foundation, a new CPA Bronze Medal has been minted. Every CPA member graded B or B-, and not already eligible for the Silver Medal…

History: RG Lawrie Limited, Master Pipemakers Whose Instruments Are Much Sought After

We have recently run history articles mentioning the famous Peter Henderson pipemaking firm. Equally renowned are the instruments of their rivals, RG Lawrie. Before he passed away Jimmy McIntosh forwarded to our editor the following article. In an accompanying note Jimmy wrote, ‘I had lunch one day in Stirling with Arthur Lawrie and he gave me this history of the RG Lawrie company. I think it is very interesting and…

CLASP Hold First Live Competition for Two Years

Results from 26th March In-Person CLASP Competition at The National Piping Centre, Otago Street, Glasgow. The event marked the first CLASP In-Person contest since January 2020. There was a good number of entries across grades 1, 2 and 3.  Thanks to the stewards who kindly volunteered their time, Janette Greenwood and Elizabeth Williamson. The judges for the day were Finlay Johnston (Piobaireachd) and Darach Urquhart (Light Music). Here are their…

Editor’s Notebook: Henderson’s Shop/ Highland Games/ Sir John MacDonald/ Stuart Easton/ Campbeltown Book

On a pleasant perambulation through Glasgow city centre the other day I passed the Atholl Arms pub in Renfrew Street. They’ve this old picture in the window. If you look closely you can see bagpipemaker Peter Henderson‘s shop next door at number 24. This was where John MacDougall Gillies held court of a Saturday, passing on his great knowledge to those crowding in. It was here too that RG Hardie…

History: Peter Henderson, the Iconic Bagpipe Maker

The following is taken from a 1930s catalogue of the famous Glasgow firm of pipe makers…… To our customers we offer this our latest catalogue, hoping that the confidence and goodwill which has for so long existed may continue in the future. To prospective customers we hope this catalogue will prove of value to them and lead to business associations that will be to our mutual advantage. To old friends…