Editor’s Notebook: William Fraser & Bob Brown/ Desperate Battle Event/ Newtonards Contest/ Weekend Solos

I discovered this old picture in a rummage through the PP library. It is of one William Fraser the man who started Bob Brown on the chanter. Little did he know the favour he was doing piping. Brown went on to have further lessons from P/M George Allan [he of the Donald MacLeod hornpipe] and then John MacDonald, Inverness, and the rest you know, or should know. Jimmy McIntosh’s excellent…

Know Your Judges: Jennifer Hutcheon

Last weekend RSPBA adjudicator Jennifer Hutcheon received her long service medal from the Association. Still active at the highest level, Jennifer’s background and piping career were revealed in a 2009 interview with Pipe Band Magazine. How old are you and where do you live?I am 58 and live in Bridge of Earn, Perthshire. What formal qualifications do you have?I was a teacher of physical education at Craigmount High School and…

P/M John McLellan DCM Exhibition

Dunoon Burgh Hall have issued the following invite – Date: Thurs., 31 July 2025; Time: 6 to 7pm; Dunoon Burgh Hall, 195 Argyll Street, PA23 7DD; Cost: free, but donations welcomed. ‘Join us for the opening of our latest small gallery exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Pipe Major John McLellan 1875 – 1949.  ‘Pipe Major John McLellan DCM of Dunoon is also known as ‘John McLellan Dunoon’ and…

Inverness Games Results/ Bowhill Entry

Around 7000 people attended last Saturday’s Inverness Highland Games, held in the spacious Bught Park, writes Les Hutt. There were nine competitors in the adult piping. The overall winner in the senior events was Angus MacPhee (pictured).  Inverness Games is the first event in the Glass Chanter contest for senior piping at the Highland Games in the north. Angus is the current holder. Inverness Games results were as follows: Piobaireachd…

Review: UK Pipe Band Championships

In many respects the Royal Highland Show grounds at Ingliston are ideal for a pipe band championship. Plenty of space for tuning, parking. However the site is very exposed. Wind and rain and there would be a distinct lack of shelter. Fortunately last Saturdays UK Championships were held in perfect conditions: bright sunshine with a cooling breeze. Engine noise from the nearby Edinburgh Airport was a minimal distraction. By Robert…