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…

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…

Review and Results: Lochaber Gathering 2024

Coming directly after the Argyllshire Gathering and before the Northern Meeting, and being indoors, guarantees that this event is always oversubscribed in the B/C division, writes the Editor. In the B/C piobaireachd, capped at 20, 18 played. Twenty-six entered the B/C light music and 23 played. The venue is the splendid Highland Cinema and its piazza right on Fort William main street. It is given courtesy its owner and founder,…

Glenfinnan, Lonach, Strathardle Games and Capt. John MacLellan Memorial Medal Results

Ten pipers played at Scotland’s most picturesque Highland games venue at Glenfinnan on August 17. Judges were Iain MacFadyen (piobaireachd), Rona Lightfoot (light music). Piob: 1 Jacob Dicker (Canada) 2 Duncan Beattie 3 Dan Lyden (USA)March: 1 Scott MacLean 2 Jacob Dicker 3 Dan LydenS&R: 1 Jacob Dicker 2 Scott MacLean 3 Dan Lyden 17&Under Piob.: 1 Maggie McConnochie (NZ) 2 Ian MacLeod17&Under March: 1 Maggie McConnochie 2 Ian MacLeod…