Piping Press

Thanks to the many thousands of readers we had for our reports on the European Pipe Band Championships. It is clear from what both MacStig and I wrote, and from the responses received, that there needs to be an audience dimension added to major pipe band championship planning. Would the RSPBA consider giving one of their directors the responsibility of checking out facilities for listeners? An ‘audience czar’ would surely…

Further to my ‘Sheepwife’ story and Pipe Major Mick Haggerty, I wish to let you know that since his passing in 1974 the grave site of P/M Haggerty at Sandgate Cemetery (near Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia) has been unmarked. Two months ago (Saturday, 8th May) Graham Adams, Paul Ross, Ron Lightfoot and I placed a cross on Mick’s grave to help perpetuate the memory of such an influential piper….

Some say his reels are more perky than pinky, his doublet is more barrack room than barathea, and that his timing is ……. out. But when he puts pen to paper there are few blooters from our man at large. Hot footing it from Inverness to Glasto, or maybe he said Glasgow, he’s the pipe band fan’s favourite reviewer, the one and only MacStig…… By MacStig The pipe band following…

By the Editor To the capital of the Highlands for the European Pipe Band Championships, the third ‘major’ of the season. The Friday was a blistering, boiling day. We pulled off the A9 for refreshment. Into the Carrbridge Hotel to find, serendipitously, adjudicator Robert Mathieson and, eventually, his colleagues Bob Worrall and John Wilson.  They were all looking forward to the Championship, talking excitedly about the prospect of hearing some…

The weather was excellent with the last played note narrowly missing a thunderstorm. Jimmy Banks judged all events. Champion piper Ben Duncan is pictured above. Piob1 P/M Ben Duncan, Lament for MacSwan of Roaig2 Anna Smart, Blind Piper’s Obstinacy3 Christopher McLeish, Tulloch Ard4 Andrew Yu, Lament for Captain MacDougall March1 P/M Ben Duncan2 Callum Wynd3 Christopher McLeish4 Darach Urquhart Strathspey & Reel1 P/M Ben Duncan2 Darach Urquhart3 Callum Wynd4 Christopher…