Piping Press

After the recent raft of competition cancellations I hope we can have a period of calm during which summer promoters and their committees stand back and look at the overall picture. They should take on board all the considerable changes to lockdown there will be from next month onwards. Rather than just take the easy way out, approach difficulties with a ‘can do’ outlook. You have a responsibility to the…

Thirty years after his death, P/M Evan Macrae’s memoirs ‘Over the Chindwin to Lochaber – A Scottish Piper’s Memoir’ have been published by his son Duncan. Here he gives us the background to the book and insight into the character of his Gold Medallist father. Duncan’s report is followed by a tribute to Evan from his former pupil, Silver Medallist Moira Robertson (née Morrison). I know you published an article…

A significant proportion of the pipe band commnunity want what is left of the 2021 season to be rescued. In answer to our poll question ‘Should the RSPBA run a truncated 2021 pipe band season?’ almost half of those who responded agreed with the comment ‘Yes, we need to get back out playing again’, writes the Editor. However a significant proportion, 32%, thought it best to scrap everything and wait…

The Northeast Florida Highland Games this past Saturday marked the first northern hemisphere ‘live’ outdoor event since lockdown began just a little over a year ago. As such, it may be that other Games organisers and competitors here, and perhaps worldwide, will be interested in how things went. The event in some ways might have historical value or importance in years to come, as I think our mindset has been…

The prestigious piping competitions held annually at Portree on Skye have been cancelled for the second year in a row. The competitions are traditionally held in the first week of August. Events affected are the Dunvegan Medal and Clasp plus the light music. Piping convenor Cameron MacFadyen: ‘Yes, the games have been cancelled and the piping also. I felt that the cancellation decision had perhaps been made slightly early but…