Leading Drummer Joe Noble 1942 – 2024

The death had been reported of well-known drummer and former RSPBA adjudicator, Joe Noble. He was 82. Joe had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and died at home in Bearsden, Glasgow. He started his drumming career in the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys’ Brigade. He originally wanted to be a piper but as the company band had a surfeit, and a shortage of drummers, he was encouraged to switch…

Northern Meeting Day 2 Results

Highlight of the second day at Inverness is the Gold Clasp competition, which, with the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering, is the most prestigious ceòl mòr prize in world piping. Gold Clasp1 Nick Hudson, USA, Daughter’s Lament, £1,000 2 Iain Speirs, Scarce of Fishing3 Finlay Johnston4 Callum Beaumont5 Alasdair Henderson Judges: P Henderson, I MacFadyen, J MacGillivray ‘B’ MSR1 John Dew 2 Bradley Parker3 Brodie Watson-Massey4 Jack Williamson5 Ruairidh BrownJudges: M Cusack, I Duncan,…

Northern Meeting Day 1 Results

The competitions were held today (Aug.29) in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal:1 Craig Sutherland, MacDougall’s Gathering, (£550) (pictured)2 Derek Midgley, Battle of Sherrifmuir (£400)3 William Rowe, Clanranald’s Salute (£250)4 Cameron Drummond, Glen is Mine (£200)5 Sean McKeown, Nameless, Hiharin odin (£150)Judges: I Duncan, A Forbes, M Henderson Silver Medal:1 Brodie Watson-Massey(£350), MacNeill of Barra’s March2 Fraser Allison (£250), Melbank’s Salute3 Dan Lyden (£150), Cave of…

P/M Malcolm M Mackenzie 1936 – 2024

The death had been reported of P/M Malcolm ‘Malky’ Mackenzie, a huge figure in the pipe band movement for over 50 years. He was 85. His son Donald, also a noted piper, said: ‘It is with a heavy heart I report the passing of my dad. He passed away this morning after a short battle with mesothelioma. ‘The piping world was his life’s passion and he made many, many friends…

RSPBA’s New President: ‘I will Be More than Just a Figurehead’

Despite running a very successful World Pipe Band Championship, the RSPBA has become embroiled in yet another difficulty following the fiasco of the mis-calling of the Novice B result. It is not the first problem the Association has had to face in the past several months. Has a new President arrived just in time to steady the ship? Major General David McDowall CBE (pictured), former General Officer Commanding of the…