New Music: The Pinkman Family Collection

I have compiled a new book of bagpipe tunes written by pipers from three generations of the Pinkman family. The majority of the tunes, which number over 300, were written by Pipe Major Robert (Rab) Pinkman (KOSB) pictured above.   There are also tunes from Rab’s father, Edward Pinkman, his grandfather, Robert D Pinkman and Archie Pinkman of Bilston Glen Colliery Pipe Band fame. By Stephen Beattie The book, with 354…

News from Across the Water: Bill Livingstone Remembered/ Waterford Solos/ St Patrick’s Day/ Drumlough 75th/ MacDonald Solos/ Video Archive

Many local pipe band enthusiasts were sad to hear of the passing of Pipe Major Bill Livingstone. Bill will ever be associated with his leadership of the 78th Fraser Highlanders from Ontario, Canada. He brought the band to Scotland in the early 1980s and in 1987 they went on to become the first from overseas to win the World Championships. Several days before that iconic event the band played in…

RSPBA Drop Change of Date for the UK Championships, AGM Imminent

The RSPBA has dropped the idea of a switch in date for the UK Pipe Band Championships. They canvassed bands over a possible change from July 12 to May 3. Returns showed the majority were against. Many had already booked buses, hotels, flights to Ingliston’s Royal Highland Centre. Others thought it too early in the season and had other commitments that day. By the Editor It remains to be seen…

CLASP In-Person and Online Results

The in-person contest for amateur pipers was held at the Piping Centre on March 1.  Pictured above are the overall winners (l-r) Adam Aitchison (G2), Lou Reid (G3) and John Nevans (G1).  G1 Piob: 1 John Nevans 2 Donald Morrison 3 Craig Turnbull 4 Stewart Allan 5 Graham Farr; G2 Piob: 1 Adam Aitchison 2 Douglas Small 3 Alistair Robinson 4 Kathryn McEwan 5 Laura McEwan 6 Sally Mason; G3 Piob: 1 Sophie…

Uist & Barra/ Jimmy McIntosh Workshop

The Uist & Barra Invitational, the first professional piping contest of the year, takes place tomorrow in the Piping Centre at the old College of Piping building in Otago Street, Glasgow. Judges are Dr Bill Wotherspoon and William Morrison. Invited pipers and their piobaireachd in playing order are:   1. William McCallum, Old Men of the Shells2. Stuart Liddell MBE, Beloved Scotland3. Angus D MacColl, Red Speckled Bull4. Sarah Muir,…