Unidentified Pipers from Skye and Information on Peter MacFarquhar, Piper and Composer

Cailean Maclean, former Piping Convenor at Skye Games: ‘A gentleman from South Uist sent me the attached photos. According to the captions they were from Skye. I have no idea who they are and would be grateful for any information about them.’ All of the photographs are studio staged, two outdoors and one in, and clearly two of the pipers were very successful competitors. The other, bottom left, has the stance and…

Scottish Pipe Band Launch Funding Plea after Extensive Flood Damage Ruins Practice Hall

Craig Black, Pipe Major of the City of Brechin Pipe Band (above), has been in touch following the recent flooding disaster in the Angus area of Scotland.  He writes: ‘Our band is the oldest civilian pipe band having been formed in 1878. We are a self-funded band which provides free tuition for all ages and practice once a week at our hall. ‘The flooding in Brechin caused by Storm Babet…

History: Pipe Bands in the East of Scotland Part 3

The response to these articles has been particularly encouraging and I am grateful to reader Ian Sword for forwarding this very interesting photograph [above]. Iain writes: ‘I enclose a photograph of Kinglassie and District Colliery Pipe Band winning the Grade 2 Scottish Pipe Band Championship at Blairgowrie in 1948, under the leadership of Pipe Major Sandy Burnside. ‘It was taken when I competed with the band on my 12th birthday…

Festival of Juvenile Piping Results

This competition has been going for more than 20 years but unfortunately due to a lack of sponsorship will no longer be held. It was always a very well supported competition attracting youngsters from all over Scotland. The final event was held yesterday, October 21 in Ardrossan Academy, Ayrshire. 10yrs & Under Chanter: 1 Ethan Donnachy 2 Laura Shennan 3 Harris Park 11yrs & Under Chanter: 1 Ruby Warren 2 Jock…

Editor’s Notebook: Lochnell Championship/ World Drumming/ Fife Police/ Northern Meeting 1983/ Kid’s Pipes

To Argyll today for the Intermediate Piping Championship at romantic Lochnell Castle. The contest brings together some of our finest young talent all aged under 22. It gladdens the heart when you hear them play. You know the tradition is in good hands. We read so much about youngsters only being interested in the kitchen piping, folk groups and bands. But these fellows are made of sterner stuff, its heavy…