Piping Press

Gloomy times indeed. The loss of Frank Andrews, and Alex Dalziel this week alone. PS Conf cancelled. Winter weather lingering here in Scotland; virus fears everywhere. And Dennis Browning in New South Wales proves its not a local issue either: ‘I and my fellow judges were sent the following by the Secretary  of Pipe Bands NSW regarding next Sunday’s contest at Scot College, Bellevue Hill: ‘Due to concerns about the…

The General Committee of the Piobaireachd Society has taken the decision to postpone the 2020 conference due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Conference was due to be held in the National Piping Centre in Glasgow next Saturday, March 21. PS President Robert Wallace said: ‘Holding the Conference in the circumstances was considered unwise and we have taken the decision to postpone it. ‘Further arrangements for the Conference and AGM will…

Frank’s funeral service took place today in the 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland followed by interment in the Portglenone Church of Ireland Graveyard. His sudden passing at his home last Sunday has robbed the pipe band world of one of its great personalities. In the present day Frank was best known as ‘drone tuner in chief’ for the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and a much respected member…

The death has been reported of Alex Dalziel, Chief Steward for the RSPBA. Alex was 72 and attended the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship last Sunday in an unofficial capacity before taking ill. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Association and from West Lothian. Both Alex and his wife Wilma have been linked to the Association’s Lothian & Borders Branch since their first involvement with pipe bands. Alex was…

I arrived late for the 75th Annual Uist & Barra Professional Piping contest held at the Piping Centre in Otago Street, Glasgow, last Saturday, writes the editor. Right away I was called on to help with the heating. The main hall of what was the College of Piping is particularly well insulated and needs very little to warm it up. Thermostat sorted I took my seat to listen to the…