Charlie McMillan of Machair Uinnein, Machrihanish, Kintyre (1934 – 2023)

As a young boy it was Charlie’s wish to be taught the chanter by the illustrious Willie Thomson, but Willie considered him just a bit too young.  For those who have never heard of Willie Thomson, he originated from the Glendale area of Moray near Inverness and after serving some years in the Scottish Horse Regiment took up the position of Piper to the Macneals of Ugadale (Kintyre) in 1907,…

Clan MacRae History – Readers Respond

Matthew M Farrigan: Long time since we have chatted. If you remember, I don’t like to stick my big American nose where it doesn’t belong. However, on this occasion, I felt I might have some info (not 100% sure) to ID another chap in the photo.  In the mid-90s I traveled from Schenectady, NY, to Worcester, Mass, to play with the Worcester Kiltie PB. The band had rounded up all the…

Severe Weather Forces American Pipe Band Championships Indoors

Please find attached the results for the American Pipe Band Championships, held yesterday in Norfolk, Virginia, writes Andrew Carlisle. We unfortunately had to hold the event indoors, inside Scope Arena due to unsafe weather conditions – very high winds, so strong that bike rack / barriers and metal bleachers (seating) were blowing over and tents were taking flight. Later in the day, around the time of the massed bands and results,…

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…