SPA Professional Contest – Full Results

The annual professional competition run by the Scottish Pipers’ Association was held at the Piping Centre in Glasgow today, April 22. There was a good entry in all categories except P/A. The competition was sponsored by the Piobaireachd Society, McCallum Bagpipes and the Competing Pipers’ Association. President Logan Tannock reported a good standard of play especially among the prizewinners and thanked the stewards who were on duty throughout the day from…

Jock Elliot 1974 – 2023

It is with sincere regret we report the death of Jock Elliot proprietor of the well-known chanter and reed manufacturer G1. Jock was 47 and had been a member of Inveraray Pipe Band during their Worlds winning years. Jock began his pipe band career with Balingry School in Fife where he was taught by Bob Shepherd. From there he played with Dysart & Dundonald before moving to Shotts and then…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Winners/ Glasgow Skye/ SPA Professional/ Charles Dunbar Pipes/ WW2 Tunes Search

Thanks to the RSPBA and their Chairman Kevin Reilly for the positive response to our mini-campaign to have the World Pipe Band Champions 1906 – 1946 recognised by their inclusion in future Worlds programmes. Mr Reilly has been in contact with the RSPBA’s Media and Marketing committee, so fingers crossed we will see the names of these somewhat neglected champion bands and their pipe majors in the 2023 Glasgow Green…

Superb Piping From Duncan Johnstone/ Jimmy McIntosh Challenge Contest

As the BBC’s ‘Pipeline’ comes to an end, I thought readers might like to remember days gone by, writes Dr Jack Taylor.  The following excerpts are from a broadcast about 1974-75 by Andrew Wright and Duncan Johnstone. The recordings are of Duncan’s light music showing his characteristic style.  The recording quality is not great, but the playing is. Andrew played The Bicker and Battle of Strome. These recordings are now on…

Open Letter to RSPBA Officials on Worlds Winners and Setting the Record Straight

Dear Sirs, With the support of our many readers, Piping Press this week published a full list of World Championship winning bands from the pre-SPBA and RSPBA era. We believe these bands and their achievements deserve to be recognised by their inclusion in the Worlds programme produced every year for that great championship at Glasgow Green. We appreciated that these titles were won under the umbrella of the Cowal Championship,…