Piping During WW2: Scottish Societies Keep up the Good Work But London Badly Affected

The third excerpt from Jeannie Campbell’s history of piping 1939-1945 ……. The Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society in Edinburgh held their AGM in November 1939 and it was decided that meetings of the Society would continue. Officials were appointed for a period of six months to fill the gaps caused by members away on service duty. Eighteen members of the Society were killed during the war. On 30th September 1939 the…

Tales of the Muirheads from the 1960s – Part 2

Former Muirhead & Sons piper Gordon Ferguson, now domiciled in Australia, concludes his reminiscences… The other memories that I have relate to a trip overseas to Russia in 1967 as World Pipe Band Champions. I was thinking of including some tales of the band trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, that same year but though it was a memorable trip there is not a great deal to comment on, especially since…

Happy Hogmanay/ Piper in Austria/ Pipe Band Ship Launch/ Eagle Pipers 1970

There are many good reasons to enjoy Hogmanay this evening not least of which is that when numbskull politicians dictate we should do something it is wise to carry on as before. Piping at ‘the Bells’ in your home is perfectly safe and outside cheering up the neighbours even safer. Cancelling Hogmanay is the sort of torture no true Scot should have to endure. It’s on a par with the…

Donald Morrison Archive: A Final Look at His Music, Newspaper Clippings and Letters

This will be our final instalment from Donald’s archive for now. It ties in neatly with the publication of his book of tunes announced last week (above). For earlier articles in this series type ‘Donald Morrison’ in our search field. We begin with another letter from Seton Gordon, the piping judge, naturalist and friend of royalty. It is dated November 6, 1973 and he writes to Donald from Upper Duntuilm,…

Irish PBA Produce Five Year Plan and Re-work Constitution and Teaching Manuals/ Blackthorn Pipers/ Balmoral Teaching Weekend

I have for some time been copied into communications which the Irish Pipe Band Association issue to their member bands, writes Gilbert Cromie. Recently I received a number of documents which have been sent out for consideration and discussion ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting which is scheduled to take place via Zoom on the 22nd January 2022 at 2.00pm. The IPBA, like its RSPBA NI Branch neighbours, have…