PP Editor’s Blog: ‘Live in Ireland’ Reception

A very pleasant few hours were passed at the reception held last night for this Saturday’s ‘Live in Ireland’ concert. Not for the first time a Glasgow city centre pub thronged with some of the best known names in piping and pipe bands. Indeed, one of the remarkable things about the concert is the way so many Grade 1 pipe majors and leading drummers have recognised the significance of the…

Statement from RG Hardie & Co. on the Company’s History, Products and Trade Marks

One of our advertisers, RG Hardie & Co.Ltd., has issued the following statement after reports concerning their company history, products and trade marks appeared on the internet: ‘Seasoning was a product sold by R.G.Hardie from 1950 to 1966 but the firm’s offering was  considered inferior to the ‘Airtight’ brand sold by James Robertson’s Bagpipes Ltd., Edinburgh. In 1966 James Robertson was acquired by R.G.Hardie and all bagpipe-making machines were transported…

History: Tales from the Castle and P/M Willie Ross

If, like many, you enjoy piping history, you will read the following with avidity. It is from P/M Sandy Hain, formerly of Fife and now domiciled in Ohio, USA. Sandy ‘did the course’ at the Army School of Piping, Edinburgh Castle, 1950 -51. He has many stories of his time there with P/M Willie Ross, great piper and a great character (as you will see). We asked Sandy if he would…

PP Editor’s Blog: Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band

The October 2015 edition of the RSPBA’s ‘Pipe Band’ magazine is now available from the RSPBA website. Readers might also like to download the issues of the magazine from April and July last year which has a full interview with former Glasgow Police P/M Duncan Nicolson. Click on the back numbers option on the RSPBA site. I think it a brave decision by Duncan to stand down after three years in…

Duncan Steps Down at Greater Glasgow Police

Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band have today issued the following statement: Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band – Iain MacPherson new P/M ‘Greater Glasgow Police Pipe band announce a change in leadership with Pipe Major Duncan Nicholson swapping roles with Pipe Sergeant Iain MacPherson. ‘Duncan [pictured above left leading the band this season] has led the band for five years, assisted by Iain, and their guidance of the band in partnership…