History: How MacAdam’s Roads Spawned the Modern Day Pipe Band

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The late piping scholar, historian and military music expert David Murray wrote this article for Pipe Band Magazine in 2002. It traces the earliest origins of the pipe band. Of the picture above David wrote: It shows drummers of the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders in 1883. Note the size of the bass drum and that seven of the drummers carry flutes. Seven wear the medals for the 2nd Afghan War of…

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PP Ed’s Blog: Army Pipers/ Band Sizes/ Hector the Hero/ SPA/ Preston Lodge

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Ian McAlister has added to the debate on a cap on band sizes. Ian writes: ‘I have said for a while we need to limit numbers in bands. I would have a maximum squad number and maximum playing number into force to allow a bit of cover for holidays etc, perhaps a maximum of 18 pipers playing with max of 21 in the squad. ‘This would make more players available…

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Readers’ Experiences Following New Rules on African Blackwood

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Two readers have kindly offered their experience of dealing with government  authorities now regulating the movement and commercial activity surrounding  African blackwood.  Piper Bob Low: ‘Having an upcoming trip in January to France via Switzerland with bagpipes, I contacted APHA [the regulating body in the UK] for advice. They confirmed they cannot issue an ‘instrument passport’ until dalbergia is formally adopted into the EU version of CITES. They anticipated earliest would be…

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Piping Tutors/ Pipe Majors Wanted for South Ayrshire and Craigmount

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South Ayrshire Council are looking for a part-time teacher of piping. Pay scale is £14,925.60 to £19,841.40 per year for 21 hours working at various schools in the region per week.The blurb reads: ‘What is the role? You will provide a quality music instruction service in various schools within South Ayrshire including primary and secondary.   ‘Extra information: The Grade of this post is Music Instructor scale. This post is considered to be…

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It is Time to Follow the Example of Pipe Bands in Encouraging Our Judges to Teach

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Twelve years ago Pipe Band Magazine reported on an important ruling adopted by the then RSPBA Adjudicators Panel. Headlined ‘Rule Change at AGM Means Judges are Free to Pass on Their Knowledge’ it basically cleared the way for judges judging bands they taught or assisted with. Lordy, lordy pipe bands showing the way for our solo administrators! Compare that with the retrograde rulings from the Solo Piping Judges Association of recent…

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