Rare Light Music Recording of P/M Iain Morrison at the Argyllshire Gathering

Following last week’s features on Iain Morrison, we are very grateful to Patrick Molard in Brittany for forwarding this recording from the 1971 Argyllshire Gathering, writes the Editor. It is of Iain Murdo playing in the Former Winners’ March Strathspey and Reel. Whilst it is not Iain at his best (he seems nervous and there a few slips) it is indicative of his style of playing and the brilliance with…

RSPBA Confirm New Venue for European Pipe Band Championships

The RSPBA have confirmed the successful conclusion of contract negotiations with Aberdeen City Council and their entertainments body to take the Euro Pipe Band Championships to the granite city next June 24th. It is understood the arrangement is initially for one year only but the local authority are open to agreements for future years depending on the success of 2023. It is a major coup for the Association given that…

Editor’s Notebook: Iain Murdo/ SPA Entry/ SPA Vets/ Glasgow Transport Band

A little more on Iain Morrison may be apposite following yesterday’s piece by Alastair McInnes. Iain was the finest light music player I ever heard and I know I am not alone in that. The lift he gave to his tunes set him apart from others playing in the ’70s and ’80s and I include such great names as P/M Angus MacDonald, John MacDougall, John Burgess et al. He certainly…

Pipers Gather to Share Memories of Iain Murdo Morrison’s Visit to Australia

A dedicated group attended Castle Dangerous (Murdo MacLeod’s manor) in Maclean, New South Wales, last week to acknowledge the passing of Pipe Major Iain Murdo Morrison two years ago, the virus having torpedoed last year’s initial anniversary.  In 1987 the local Scottish Society opened the purse strings and ‘brought out’ an unforgettable touring party: Iain, singer Kathleen MacDonald and accordionist the late Tommy Darky who died in 2021. All were…

Famous Pipers: A View of Pipe Major GS McLennan from Before the First World War

Much has been written about the celebrated piper George S McLennan, lauded not only for his brilliant playing but also his masterful compositions. This account we believe is from the Oban Times. It does not have a precise date as our copy is obscure, but from reading it it was clearly published several years in advance of the outbreak of war in 1914. It is important to us in that…