Following the not unexpected blow of the cancellation of the first two major pipe band championships of 2021, Alastair Dunn, Managing Director of RG Hardie & Co., has reinforced the view of many that a truncated season is better than none at all. Alastair, former Pipe Sergeant of World Championship-winning Field Marshal Montgomery, said that if the pandemic lockdown ended from June 21 as has been forecast, then there would…

RSPBA: In response to the current Coronavirus outbreak (CoVid-19), we have made the decision to cancel the 2021 United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships in Lurgan originally scheduled for Saturday 12 June. Our decision is based on the latest guidance from the Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments, as well as advice taken from our key partners. Please note this championship will not be rescheduled in 2021. On the British: In line…

Reader Leesa Watson; ‘I would love to have a copy of the attached picture [above] of the Glasgow Transport Pipe Band. My grandfather is in the picture. Please tell me how I can acquire this wonderful picture. Thank you very much.’ Download a copy here Leesa: Leesa found the picture via our story here. Here’s a short extract from it: ‘Glasgow Transport Department encouraged its employees to take part in…

During my time as an RSPBA adjudicator I judged in the USA on six occasions.  The first two of these were at Costa Mesa in Orange County, close to Los Angeles.  The first time I travelled over with the late and legendary Pipe Major Angus MacDonald MBE, formerly of the Scots Guards.  Angus was a hilarious companion during the trip.  When we arrived we joined up with Pipe Major Harry…

Well, what do you think? Chance of a season? Given what the Prime Minister announced on Monday we can start living again from June 21. And, if we can believe anything from the tartan collective in Holyrood these days, we in Scotland will be more less in step with that, writes the Editor. This means we can forget any band contests or Highland Games in May and June. I’m told…