Niall Stewart Recital/ Donald MacLeod Memorial/ Scottish Pipers Professional

Double Gold medallist Niall Stewart (pictured) is in recital at the Lewis & Harris Piping Society tomorrow evening, January 26. The concert is in the in the Caladh Hotel, Stornoway, at 7.30pm. Niall has been the schools piping tutor for South Skye and Lochalsh for several years. He was originally taught by John Burgess. Niall has won most of the top awards in piping including the Gold Medals at the…

History: Solo Piping in Edinburgh in the 1960s

Once more underlining the critical importance of reports of piping competitions, a sadly dying art, we have this from the Oban Times of November 1967. We presume it is by their then Piping Correspondent John MacFadyen. Look out for the names of George Lumsden who passed away last week, and Malcolm McRae who tonight delivers the latest in the Piobaireachd Society’s popular ‘Talk Piobaireachd’ lectures…. The third annual piping competitions…

John Hughes 1956-2024

The pipe band community worldwide has been shocked to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of John Hughes on 21st January 2024.  John had been a high-profile official in the RSPBA, and a recognised figure at major championships and local competitions, for many years.  There have already been many tributes to John for his tireless work for the Association and its Lothian and Borders Branch.  It was particularly unfortunate…

Tributes for John Hughes, Former President of the RSPBA

The RSPBA have announced the sudden death of former President John Hughes. In a statement the Association said: ‘It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, John Hughes. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family during this difficult time.’ The news has come as a great shock to the pipe band fraternity. John was latterly…

Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes & Major Champs./ Florida Academy/ Balvenie Medal/ D Naill Prices/ Military Tunes

The RSPBA should be in no doubt about the concern out there as regards the ‘Missing Majors’ and band sizes. The comments keep coming in to PP. Unfortunately the recent ones are all anonymous, so of course the impact is lessened. People complain of the lack of transparency at the Association then they correspond anonymously! I think they believe their band will suffer if they go public with their thoughts….