DIGITAL SERIES ISSUE 55 INDEX PIPING WORLD5 NOVEMBER THE WORLD’S ONLY INDEPENDENT PIPING MAGAZINE 2 is the pipe band world really a sleeping 2013 giant? 8 danny fleming: pipe obsession hits the news John Grant 14 new australian book: shows rich piping diversity Danny Fleming 16 murdoch maclean macleod: 1924-2013 18 act solo piping: hughes wins championship Reay Fencibles 21 stevenston juniors: stewart and barrie champions The sleeping giant 25 ‘floo’ers o’ the forest’: a magnificent memorial 25 highlands competition: heavy losses force call-off Angus John MacLellan 27 worth a look: boghall & bathgate ‘forte’ Stevenston Juniors 29 maccrimmons of skye: popular book back in print 31 ashton trophy: liverpool piper wins award 33 off the wire 41 pipe bands in pictures: 43 angus john maclellan: 1936-2013 48 the reay fencibles:iain mackay scobie’s research 60 piping for dancing:the highland fling 65 moladh air piob-mhor mhic cruimein: in praise of maccrimmon’s pipes 74 leading the way: antwerp & district 80 piping pics: act solo championships 2013 82 the tuition of young pipers: pipe major john grant 95 swiss championships: switch affects entry 97 worth a look: world pipe band championships 2013

November 2013 Antwerp & District Pipe Band

www.duntroonpublishing.com THE GLOBAL PIPING PHENOMENON Piping World Piping World

hats off to the 2013 world pipe is the pipe band world band champions really a sleeping giant?

with Bruce Campbell COMMENT EDITOR, PIPING WORLD

URING the course of my ‘day job’ (how can you call a pas- band would have plus past members D sion a ‘job’) I am lucky enough and current learners (and including the to be able to speak about my favourite number of non-band pipers around the subject to a lot of different people. world) I came up with about 150,000. Often I get asked about the numeri- It has taken me some time to get to cal size of this piping world of ours and terms with this astronomic number but the reaction I get when I tell of my esti- since then I have come to believe that mated numbers is breathtaking - at that figure, as large as it is, is about 80- least it is as far as they are concerned 100,00 short of the real figure. because it rarely fails to take their In support of that, as if my head breath away. count wasn’t enough, consider the fact For a long time I dawdled along that between them Scotland's two thinking that there was about 10,000 leading bagpipe makers are selling over pipers in the world until I read a one thousand sets of pipes a year. Canadian piper’s estimate of about Add in the other dozen or so com- 25,000. panies in Scotland whose total output That caused me to think and after without the use of cnc lathe equipment working how many pipe bands there probably accounts for about the same are - both registered and unregistered and then multiply it over a ten year - and how many pipers an average pipe period and you have a total of about

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PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Piping World Piping World 20,000 sets sold in that same 10 year niches called grades. period alone. Last month PIPING WORLD ran a If we don’t have that huge amount of comment piece which had the word pipers in the world then where are “bonkers” in its headline. these new instruments going? Maybe the inference that the I have only measured a ten year peri- RSPBA’s inability to sort its top grade od but consider the ‘generational’ peri- out properly was a tad excessive - but od of 30 years and that comes up to just a tad. 60,000 sets - from Scotland’s top mak- Any outsider who would be brought ers alone. in to re-structure pipe band competi- That obviously does not include the tions would quickly point out two star- many fine overseas makers of our tlingly obvious factors - that there has noble instrument nor the even smaller to be a size restriction put on pipe firms which still make a significant bands and automatic promotion and impact. relegation needs to be brought in to all The purpose of this comment piece grades. has, however, nothing to do with the If a band doesn’t compete in a seaon amount of new pipes being produced then it needs to be dropped down a but rather about the startling lack of level. progress we are making in the pipe But to make all of this realistic and band world. get that level of support from their If the reaction to the amount of member bands then the governing pipers current out there is literally bodies have to make it financially breathtaking then the next reaction, worthwhile for their member bands. given that I speak to a lot of people In short, the spoils which are now involved in commerce, is predictable: coming their way need to be given out what a huge and untapped market. - or at least a sizeable chunk. If only ...... Winning the World Championships The pipe band world is perhaps the in Grade 1 should be worth no less one which is the most backward in this than £10,000 and even qualifying for game of ours simply that is the one the finals should be worth £2,000. which has chosen to adopt a set of That might sound like a lot of money rules by which it is governed and then but it is a drop in the ocean when com- steer its member bands into nice little pared to how much these same bands

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PAGE 4 PAGE 5 Piping World Piping World collectively spend coming to Glasgow to understand then a look at how the each year. English Premier League operates would RSPBA CEO Ian Embleton A very conservative estimate of the provide a perfect model to copy. total ‘spend’ of Grade 1 bands this year It is singularly the greatest and most would reveal not much change from successful sporting organisation in the £1million. world. Just how long are bands going to be Its members get bucket loads in the given the short end of the sandwich; sums of tens of millions of pounds a why do they not share in the bounty year just for being a member while the which comes the RSPBA’s way in terms promoted clubs each year see the of on-the-day revenue and royalties? windfall which is about to come their But for that to happen, and then way as being equivalent to about taken to an even higher level, it is £90million over a two year period. essential that a more cohesive struc- Our pipe bands get ..... well, nothing. ture be adopted. What they do get when they come For the bands to get more they have up a grade is the stark realisation that to be prepared to give more and the they have a snowball's chance of actu- first step is to sort out the mayhem ally surviving as they face little prospect which currently exists as Grade 1. of actually being successful and then On the subject of the premier grade, the further realisation that their top the time when the RSPBA continues to players will be poached by other bands. allow overseas associations to grade its Limit the numbers in bands and make own bands at the top level has to be promotion/relegation automatic. over. It won’t cure all of the ills but it Just because a band is Grade 1 in would go a long, long way. upper Siberia does not mean that it What about a third change - actually automatically has the right to expect to supplying the piping press with some be graded at that level on Glasgow information instead of treating us like Green - or it shouldn’t be. the enemy. And neither does it mean that an overseas band can continue to stack its Would you like to contribute an ranks with the best players from over article to ‘comment’; you can the world ‘just for the trip’. contact the editor by email at If all of this is too much of a concept [email protected]

Reader’s comments on this and any article are more than welcome [email protected] And now you can keep up to date with the latest in piping via our THE DAILY PIPER on-line news portal www.dailypiper.com

PAGE 6 PAGE 7 Piping World Piping World danny fleming: pipe obsession hits the news ANNY Fleming has had a thing family are said to have 'understanding about pipes for a log time, not neighbours' D just a past-time but a major thing. IN MANY families, music can be a Back in the days when he was a piper calming force which brings people in the Scots Guards he got himself a set together. of Gold and Ivory pipes - and then to But at home with Danny Fleming, the add a bit more glamour he had the reg- proud owner of more than 100 sets of iment’s prominent battle honours bagpipes, his hobby has a less harmo- engraved on silver sleeves on the drone nious effect. stocks. The Scottish police officer has 40 But his hobby grew into an even big- years of piping experience under his ger obsession and recently caught the belt, and, unluckily for his wife and nine- eye of a local newspaper where he now year-old son, is as enthusiastic as ever. lives in Humberside, England - which Danny Fleming, 50, has amassed 105 catapulted it into national prominence sets of bagpipes, believed to be the in such pipe supportive papers as The world's largest collection. Sun and The Daily Mail .... Mr Fleming's wife, Jane, has admitted that she would rather her husband were less of a bagpipe fanatic MEET THE MAN WITH THE Mr Fleming, originally of Arbroath on WORLD'S BIGGEST the eastern coast of Scotland, took up COLLECTION OF BAGPIPES the bagpipes aged ten and racked up (AND YES,HE IS MARRIED - plenty of experience by serving in the JUST) Scots Guards for 24 years. The police officer now plays in * Danny Fleming, 50, owns 105 differ- Humberside Police's pipe band, and has ent sets of bagpipes, worth £130,000 established himself as a bagpipe con- * The former Scots Guard has played noisseur with his 105-strong collec- since he was ten years old tion. * Mr Fleming, born in Arbroath, Although the Guinness Book of Scotland, now lives in Grimsby, World Records currently has no entry Lincolnshire Former Scots Guards pipe major, for the world's biggest bagpipe collec- * His wife Jane and son Logan are not Danny Fleming tion, it is not believed that Mr Fleming's the biggest fans of his hobby - but the

PAGE 8 PAGE 9 Piping World Piping World collection has been outdone, and there full regalia. are plans for him to be recognised in a Mr Fleming says he is known as a bag- future edition. pipe enthusiast in the local community. PipeReeds.Com His vast, £130,000 collection features Mr Fleming has dedicated 40 years of models which date from as long ago as his life to bagpiping. Bagpipe Reeds by Colin MacLellan 1918, and includes a set of pipes set in The keen piper, who uses his talent gold, silver and ivory worth more than to raise money for Macmillan, Help for £12,000. Heroes and St Andrews Hospice by "THE GOLD MEDALLIST’S REED” All of his pipes also get a good hear- playing in charity events, also brought ing, as Mr Fleming makes sure to swap relief to his family by finding a more his current set every few weeks, and permanent outlet for his enthusiasm by "Specialising in undertakes the mammoth task of joining Humberside Police's pipe band. Solid, True and cleaning his entire collection every He said:“Since joining the police band three months. I play at home a lot less, which I think Responsive The couple said they have 'under- my wife appreciates. standing neighbours' “Jane would relish the thought of me Reeds for Mr Fleming's son Logan, nine, has yet selling them all, but there's no chance Bands" to take up the passion of his father, of that happening. who was only ten years old when he “I'm too attached to them.” started playing Mr Fleming says there is 'no chance' Mrs Fleming said she 'knew what she of him ditching the collection, and that was getting into' when she married her whenever he sells a set of bagpipes he husband. regrets it. Mr Fleming's wife Jan, 41, and nine- Mr Fleming said he became inspired year-old son, Logan, are not great fans by broadcasts of military processions of bagpipe music, but have learned to her watched as a child. live with his eccentricity. He said: “I saw Trooping the Colour Mrs Fleming said: “It is absolutely on the television when I was a kid and ridiculous the amount of bagpipes thought the bagpipes were amazing. Danny has. “I started playing for the local band PipeReeds.Com “He can only play one set at once. and after six months my dad bought “But I knew when I married him that me my first set. Colin MacLellan he came with the bagpipes - I knew “I have loved and collected bagpipes 14 Dean Park Crescent, Edinburgh, EH4 1PH, Scotland what I was getting into. ever since. Telephone 44 (0)131-343-1192 “We're lucky we've got very under- “As a collector and a musician I am Email [email protected] standing neighbours.” always searching for that very special Police officer Mr Fleming used to be instrument which has an even better a member of the Scots Guards, and sound. www.pipereeds.com even visited the pyramids of Egypt in

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Mr Fleming has spent around from plastic rather than wood. £130,000 on his collection, including a “My most valuable set of bagpipes is single set of pipes which is worth worth over £12,000, it is set in gold £12,000. and silver with ancient ivory. “Tuition for mature learners and amateur grade pipers is “Some of my bagpipes I bought new “It has regimental battle honours my specialty - I do not believe you are ever too old and rarely too and some are very old, my oldest set engraved and the clan crest. young. Neither does it matter whether you are Scottish, can’t speak are from 1918 and therefore very “I have sold some bagpipes in the Gaelic or are not a competition piper” rare,” he said. past, and I always regret it. “I swap pipes every few weeks, so I “In the local community people get get to enjoy playing all of my collection. to hear about things like this, I have Piobaireachd .... it’s just music “Although they're all the same size become the bagpipe guy and if some- Bruce Campbell THE PIPING SCHOOL they all vary in ornamentation and body is selling some, I'm usually the quality of sound, I even have a set made first to hear about it.”

www.pipingschool.co.uk click for direct link

PAGE 12 PAGE 13 Piping World Piping World THE ESSENTIAL BOOK FOR YOUR COLLECTION ...... new australian book: THE HOLYROOD COLLECTION: BOOK 1 80 FAVOURITE shows rich piping diversity By Stuart Robinson Lawson, Australia's famous bush poet MARCHES of a bygone era. HE release of a new piping The author spent a total of 24 years FOR THE text book used to be quite a in Australia as a boy, army pipe major T rare thing but thankfully our and football journalist and admits that HIGHLAND BAGPIPE book shelves are starting to fill up his love affair with the 'lucky country' is these days. far from over. First published August 2004, Not so plentiful are books which are " I have always had a fondness for this Second edition August 2005, released as both print and digital ver- type of short article and so too did Third edition 2009. sions, something in which Duntroon Henry Lawson," says the author. Publishing still finds itself as a market "It just seemed the perfect way to get DUNTROON PUBLISHING leader. these articles into a more collectable ISBN 0-9546334-5-8 And with eight piping text books, form - and the title seemed pretty 44 pages, soft plus a useful array of 30 some music obvious, to me at least anyway. cover books, CD Roms and CDs, they are "Australians will fully understand the RETAIL £13.50 still the market leader in that field too title. - at least in this niche market of our "It has also allowed me to re-explore FREE WORLDWIDE POSTAGE niche music. one of my passion - Australian piping." PayPal payment option 'While the Billy Boils' is a collection Time will tell if this direction will of articles which have appeared at var- prove successful. INDEX OF TUNES: ious times in different magazines pro- The book has 144 pages, and is 42nd Highlanders (The Gallant Forty Twa),the; 51st Highland Division, the; 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar, the;All the Blue Bonnets are Over the Border; Back of Bennachie, the; Badge of duced by Duntroon Publishing. extensively illustrated. Scotland, the; Barren Rocks of Aden, the; Battle of the Somme, the; Black Bear, the; Bluebells of There are 27 in total, all but three by The full colour E-Book was released Scotland, the; Bonawe Highlanders; Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, the; Bonnie Dundee; Bonnie Galloway; Bonnie Lass of Fyvie, the; Braes of Glenorchy, the; Brose and Butter; Brown Haired PIPING WORLD editor Bruce in digital format on 16 October with Maiden; Cabar Feidh; Caller Herring; Cam' Ye By Atholl; Campbells Are Coming, the; Campbell who admits that he 'cribbed' the print version due out early in the Campbeltown Loch; Cockney Jocks; Cock of the North, the; Colonel Robertson; Crusaders March, the; Drunken Piper, the; Dundee Military Tattoo, the; Far O'er the Sea (to Erin); Gallawa' the title of the book from Henry New Year. Hills, the; Glendaruel Highlanders; Green Hills of Tyrol, the; Greenwood Side; Haughs of Cromdale, the; Highland Laddie; Highland Brigade at Tel El Kebir, the; High Road to Gareloch, the; Hot Punch; Hundred Pipers, a; I See Mull; Jenny's Bawbee; Johnnie Cope; Kenmure's Up and Awa; Killiecrankie; Kilworth Hills; Liberton Boys Pipe Band; Lea Rig, the; Leaving of Liverpool, the; Leaving Port Askaig; Lochanside; Loch Maree; Lord Lovat's Lament; MacDonald's Awa' to the Wars; Meeting of the Waters, the; Mhari's Wedding; Minstrel Boy; Mucking of Geordie's Byre, the; My Home Town; My Land; My Love She's But A Lassie Yet; O'er The Water to Charlie; Piobaireachd of Donald Dhu, the; Piper's Cave, the; Piper's Polka, the; Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee; Rantin' Rovin' Robin; Road to the Isles, the; Roses of Prince Charlie, the; Rowan Tree, the; Scotch on the Rocks; Scotland the Brave; Shoals of Herring; Siege of Delhi, the; Steam Boat, the; Sweet Maid of Mull, the;Teribus;We're No Awa' Tae Bide Awa;When The Battle's O'er;Ye Jacobites By Name

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Murdoch MacLean MacLeod murdoch maclean macleod: 1924-2013 URDOCH Maclean Macleod, In 1995, Mac was awarded the age 89, set sail for Tir nan Og, Balvenie Medal in Scotland for his serv- M land of the ever young, on ices to the piping world. Saturday, 21 September, 2013. In 2010, he was inducted into the Mac was a dyed in the wool Scot. EUSPBA Circle of Honour and up until He was born in Ullapool, a small fish- his 88th year, he continued his annual ing village in the north of Scotland. pilgrimage to the Glenfiddich Piping During WWII, he proudly served in Competition at Blair Castle, Scotland. the British Royal Air Force and flew 33 He enjoyed a good laugh and had a missions. joke for every occasion. After demobilisation, he worked as a Mac was also a talented woodwork- forester on the west coast of Scotland er, a great storyteller, and a gifted where he met and married the lovely singer. Margaret Plowman. He will be remembered for his love They emigrated to the United States of cribbage, crosswords, the cryptic in 1956 with their young daughter. byword, and a cuppa' strong tea. His two passions were trees and the The family would like to thank Great Highland Bagpipe. Heartland Hospice and Griswold He was a tree surgeon and ran his Home Care for their many kindnesses. own company for 30 years. He is predeceased by his wife, Along with four others, Maclean Margaret Macleod (née Plowman) and MacLeod founded the Fairhill Colonial his brother,Angus Macleod. Highland Gathering and acted as either He is survived by his three daughters convener or president for the next 50 and their husbands, Catriona and years. Stuart Binder-Macleod, Deirdre and He dedicated his life to improving the Duncan Bonnell, and Rowena Macleod standards of bagpiping by founding the and Mark Wygent; and grandchildren, Eastern United States Pipe Band Benjamin Binder-Markey (wife Caitlin), Association and the United States Rina Binder-Macleod, Maclean Piping Foundation. Nagaswami, and Fiona Iyer.

PAGE 16 PAGE 17 Piping World Piping World act solo piping: hughes wins championship HE Australian National War MSR Memorial in Canberra was 1 Paul Hughes T the venue for the presti- 2 Jason Craig gious ACT Piping Championship on 3 Aaron O'Neill Saturday 12 October. H&J Concerns about lack of entries were 1 Paul Hughes swept aside after a decision was made 2 Jason Craig by the organisers to extend the cut-off 3 Aaron O'Neill date and on the day blue skies and sun- Piobaireachd shine were the perfect background for 1 Jason Craig the event which was held in the 2 Paul Hughes grounds of the iconic venue nestling in 3 Andrew Roach the shadows of Mount Ainslie. B Grade Graham Durant-Law, the event MSR organiser,reported a high level of inter- 1 Jim Stuart est from the general public. 2 Graham Durant-Law "The public were very interested," he 3 Nick Robinson said. H&J "The public stood around and took 1 Nick Robinson photos - in short the public loved it, 2 Alasdair Caveney although it presented a challenge or 3 Graham Durant-Law two. Piobaireachd "I was very pleased with the compe- 1 Nick Robinson tition, and frankly the venue can't be 2 Andrew McCormack beaten." 3 Graham Durant-Law Champion Piper was former WA Police pipe Major Paul Hughes who now teaches at Scots College, Sydney.

A Grade Aaron O’Neill: in the Champion Piper: Paul Hughes Canberra prize lists

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stevenston juniors: stewart and barrie champions

HE Stevenston Festival of 2 Mae Cranmer, Corberry Park Pipers Juvenile solo piping was held 3 Calum Ramsay, Caledonian Piping T on Saturday 19 October at Club Auchenharvie Academy. 11 yrs & Under Chanter Donald C. Stewart (Glasgow Skye 1 Scott McDonald, Caledonian Piping Association) was the Under 19 years Club overall champion and Scott Barrie 12 yrs & Under Chanter (Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band) 1 Kimberley Conley, Corberry Park took out the Over 19 years overall Pipers championship. 2 Rebecca Hill, Isle of Cumbrae RBLS PB RESULTS 3 Abbey Roy, Irvine PB 10 yrs & Under Chanter 13 yrs & Under Chanter 1 Josh Barbour, Campbeltown 1 Jack Kean, Isle of Cumbrae RBLS PB

PAGE 21 Piping World Piping World 2 Grace Walker, Corberry Park Pipers 16 yrs & Under Piping MSR 14 yrs & Under Chanter 1 Harry McLachlan,Aberfeldy 1 Brandon Lee, Isle of Cumbrae RBLS 2 Andrew Brodlie, Greater Glasgow PB Police PB 2 Ruairidh Lennie,West Kilbride 3 Rory MacKenzie, Mauchline & Dist 10 yrs & Under Piping PB 1 Jamie Lockerbie, Corberry Park 17 yrs & Under Piping - MSR Why so many of the world’s best Pipers 1 Scott Barrie, Greater Glasgow Pipers and Pipe Bands now play 2 Euan Thomson, Bathgate Police PB Gannaway Pipe Bags 11 yrs & Under Piping 2 Andrew Brodlie, Greater Glasgow Superior Tone 1 Jamie Lockerbie, Corberry Park Police PB Realise the potential of your Pipers 3 Craig Davidson, Glasgow Skye Bagpipe with the greater 2 Jack Ferguson, Kintyre Schools Assocn resonance, fullness, and 12 yrs & Under Piping 18 yrs & Under Piping - MSR steadiness of sound that only 1 Jamie McKerral, Kintyre Schools 1 Scott Barrie ,Greater Glasgow genuine leather can produce, 2 Gordon Burrows, Newton Mearns Police PB enhanced by the most efficient 3 Harry McGowan, Corberry Park 2 Josh Fraser, Johnstone PB airflow to chanter and drones. Pipers 3 Scott Figgins, Irvine PB 13 yrs & Under Piping 15 Junior Piobaireachd Superior Comfort Enjoy the unique Gannaway 1 Robbie McIsaac, Stirling Schools PB 1 Donald C. Stewart, Glasgow Skye shape, and the unbeatable feel of 2 Kyle Currie, Lochmaben PB Assocn genuine leather that moulds to 3 Jamie McKerral, Kintyre Schools 2 Rory MacIsaac, Stirling Schools PB your body, enabling better 14 yrs & Under Piping 3 Joshua Townsley,Airdrie playing posture and greater 1 Joshua Townsley,Airdrie Over 15 Senior Pibroch control of your Bagpipe. 2 Ewan Murray, North Lanarkshire 1 Taylor Townsley,Airdrie Schools 2 Scott Barrie, Greater Glasgow Police Superior Quality 3 Robbie McIsaac, Stirling Schools PB PB Appreciate the result of 15 yrs & Under Piping/March 3 Harry McLachlan,Aberfeldy combining leading leather 1 Joshua Townsley,Airdrie Open Jig technology and expertise with extensive research, development, 2 Harry McLachlan,Aberfeldy 1 Colin McCallum Trophy - Donald C. and testing by the world’s best 3 Donald C. Stewart, Glasgow Skye Stewart, Glasgow Skye Assocn pipers and pipe bands. Assocn 2 Eliz. Bocquel Trophy - Harry 15 yrs Under Piping-S&R McLachlan,Aberfeldy 1 Donald C. Stewart, Glasgow Skye 3 Tom Martin Trophy - Scott Barrie, BAGPIPE Assocn Greater Glasgow Police PB CENTRE 2 Joshua Townsley,Airdrie 4 Marshall Trophy - Taylor Townsley, 113 King Street, Temuka • Ph/Fax: +64 3 615 5788 3 Connor Jardine, North Lanark Airdrie Email: [email protected] • Web: www.gannawaynz.co.nz Schools

PAGE 22 PAGE 23 Piping World Piping World DUNTROON PUBLISHING ‘floo’ers o’ the forest’: Scotland’s tradition bearers a magnificent memorial www.duntroonpublishing.com ILITARY collector and went into pre-production last week, is author Richard Crawford is on a similar pattern. THE MacPHERSON M shortly to see his latest book It chronicles all of the fallen pipers PIPERS of BADENOCH released. who gave their lives in what has been By Bruce Campbell 'Floo'ers o' the Forest: Fallen pipers called "man's inhumanity to his fellow of the Great War' is a fitting tribute to man" by Scots singer/songwriter Eric Published December 2011 the hundreds of pipers who fell on the Bogle. In E-BOOK pdf format world's battlefields during the greatest "This sort of material has been a pas- 78pp including illustrations and MP3 carnage that we have ever seen. sion of mine for a long time," said the file of ‘The Blind Piper’s Obstinacy’ Years of painstaking research and New York-based author. played by Malcolm R MacPherson countless hours spent contacting "I have played in pipe bands for a long Retail Price: £8.50 sent by email external sources and cross-checking time but my main hobby is medal col- material have resulted in this eagerly- lecting which is how I started to com- AVAILABILITY awaited work which is sure to be pop- pile data and records of pipers who Direct from us (we accept PayPal and ularly received. had fought in the various regiments and UK cheques made payable to ‘RB Dick's earlier work, 'Pipers of the campaigns." Campbell’). Highland Regiments 1854-1902' has 'Floo'ers o' the Forest: Fallen pipers already brought a lot of clarity to pip- of the Great War' is scheduled for on- The MacPhersons provide an important link in the history of the Highland ing history and this new book, which sale in January 2014. pipe. Renowned as outstanding performers and teachers this family of pipers also served Cluny MacPherson and their clan. The story of the MacPherson Pipers of Badenoch is on firmer ground after highlands competition: the 1745 Rising and by a quirk of fate the disaster of Culloden saw them move to Skye where they came under the influence of John MacKay of heavy losses force call-off Raasay, one of the greats of Piobaireachd. In turn the MacPhersons passed that style on through their own pupils and HE Highlands (New South towns just south of Sydney. their teaching represents the predominant strand of playing that we have Wales) pipe band and solo pip- But apparent failure to attract finan- today. T ing competition which has cial support along with poor entry lev- This book takes a look at the family members, their music and their influence been running for the last few years in els has forced the event hosts, The on piping. February/March has been reportedly Highlands Pipe Band, to cancel it. This book is extensively illustrated. cancelled with “heavy financial losses” Last year the event reported heavy CLICK FOR DIRECT LINK been given as the reason. losses and it was felt that the pipe band http://www.duntroonpublishing.com/page334.html The event has been staged in both could no longer support these. Moss Vale and Mittagong, two small

PAGE 24 PAGE 25 Piping World Piping World BOGHALL & BATHGATE PIPE BAND THE SETON GORDON ‘Forte’ worth a Compact Disc (also on DVD) CDMON889 Monarch Records listen AWARD Earlier this year Monarch Records released the live album/dvd of the pre- for piping writing vious summer’s ‘big’ Glasgow concert nical and musical level of the highest which featured top six pipe band, order. a new annual award to mark significant contributions to piping writing Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia under On the low point side was the seem- ingly pointless playing of a set of and named in honour of the late and prolific Seton Gordon, naturalist, Pipe Major Ross Walker. As always with any live event there Retreat Marches; likewise the tedious piper and piping write.r are highs and the odd lows. and over-long drum salute. Staying true to their own ethos of BC Open to all submissions which have not been previously published musicianship the band presented a well tested and varied program of pipe The tracks: Mason's Apron, Award of £100 plus trophy made to the best entry and guaranteed music, mostly in what is now called the Cunningham's Fancy; Bride’s Jig,The publication in a new anthology of piping set for early 2014 release “traditional” vein. Changeling,Thief of Lochaber; Lo Delo Even there, however, there is room Delo,The Eagle's Whistle,The Wise Other entries of note also considered for the anthology for a bit of debate, a matter of taste. Maiden; Rainbow Country,The Ness Boghall’s playing of the stellar 2/4 Pipers, Sleepy Maggie,The Prince of Submissions may be historical, topical or musical or on any other Competition March, ‘Abercairney Wales; Christine MacNeill Of Barra, My Own Land, Far O'er Struy; subject relating to piping. Highlanders’, for me lacked the neces- sary punch which is provided by a less Abercairney Highlanders, Susan round treatment. MacLeod, John Morrison Of Assynt Ideal articles should be between 2,000 and 6,000 words but all It has to be said that the accompany- House, Mhairi Bhan Og; Salute To DM lengths and styles will be considered. ing Strathspey, ‘Susan MacLeod’, and Tom Brown; Johnny's Jig,The Lewis Jig, Reel, ‘John Morrison of Assynt House, The Gold Ring; Now Westlin' Winds; were outstanding - with ‘punch’ aplen- 2/4 Marches:Australian Ladies, 93rd At CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS ty. Modder River; Campbell's Tartan 1 December 2013 Of the highlights the big punching Army,The Boys Of The Lough, Hornpipe set ranks high, as did ‘Mhairi Seonaidh's Tune,The York Reel, Bhan Og’, and the 2012 contest Medley Glasgow Police Pipers; Urlar, Sailing all correspondence should be made to which had outstanding delivery as well Solo On The Minnow,Aube Mauve; Journey To The Centre Of The Celts; Bruce Campbell as the rhythmical innovative Urlar set. Finishing the album off was the Angus Ramsay's Lullaby, Dr MacInnes's [email protected] ‘Angus Ramsay Lullaby’ set which, for Fancy,Tatumtitabra;The Rubik Cube, 0794 354 8084 me anyway, was playing of both a tech- Killie McCallum,The Founders Club.

PAGE 26 PAGE 27 Piping World Piping World maccrimmons of skye: Piobaireachd popular book back in print from the makers of PIPING WORLD By Stuart Long the MacCrimmon Memorial FTER a spell of three years Cairn at Borreraig A 40+ page unique journal each during which time it has been month exclusively devoted to A almost totally unavailable 'The MacCrimmon Pipers of Skye: A archival quality Tradition Under Siege', is back in pro- coverage of the classical music duction. of the pipes. 'The MacCrimmon Pipers of Skye: A All subscriptions start with the Tradition Under Siege' is the best sell- ing piping book of the last decade. timeless Issue 1 An e-version of 'The MacCrimmon Pipers of Skye:A Tradition Under Siege' CONTENTS ISSUE 1: has also been made available for the ‘The Mystery of Angus MacKay’s Death’ first time. ‘Aspects of MacCrimmon Music’ 'The MacCrimmon Pipers of Skye:A ‘The Park Piobaireachd’ Tradition Under Siege', written by PIP- ‘The Falkirk Tryst’ ING WORLD editor Bruce Campbell was first released at a book launch on ‘Playing Crunluadhs: A Canntaireachd the Isle of Skye in 2003 - just a stone's Clue’ throw from the MacCrimmon ‘Archibald Campbell of Kilberry’ Memorial Cairn. Since it was first published 'The SUBSCRIPTIONS DIRECT MacCrimmon Pipers of Skye: A VIA SECURE PAY-PAL ON-LINE ORDERING Tradition Under Siege' has surpassed CLICK THE LINK all expectations including selling-out. accepted as the definitive study of the As well as rave reviews from respect- MacCrimmons and their music and as ed sources such as BBC Radio Scotland well as putting the various members of the book is also a course study book the family, who served as hereditary with the University of the Highlands & pipers to the MacLeods of Harris and CLICK FOR DIRECT LINK Islands. Dunvegan for at least 350 years, it deals http://www.duntroonpublishing.com/page386.html 'The MacCrimmon Pipers of Skye:A with a number of controversial issues Tradition Under Siege' is generally raised by earlier writers.

PAGE 28 PAGE 29 Piping World Piping World ashton trophy: WHILE THE BILLY BOILED liverpool piper wins award Collected articles on Australian piping By Bruce Campbell IVERPOOL Scottish piper With contributions from Reg Foreman, John James Axton has been award- Ferguson and Charlie McInnes L ed a prestigious trophy for his services to the regimental associa- Published by Duntroon Publishing tion, the first time a piper has been October 2013 awarded the Ashton Trophy. 144 pages, illustrated The citation for the award, which was Digital E-Book version available now given on 18 October, reads; Print book version available 2014 “Jay, now a member of the Regimental Association Pipes & Drums, E-BOOK DIGITAL originally joined 'V' (The Liverpool sent by email Scottish) Company in 1997 when it In E BOOK pdf format. was commanded by Major Matthew Retail Price: £7.50 P&P: nil Boulter TD. “He is well known within the regi- AVAILABILITY mental family. Direct from us (we accept PayPal and UK cheques made payable to ‘RB “As a keen young Piper he was in his Campbell’). element doing extensive public rela- Secure on-line purchasing available tions work for both the company and www.duntroonpublishing.com the battalion. Jay Axton “This has included playing his pipes with HMS Manchester, Beating Retreat THE BOOK at the Governor's House in Jersey and THIS book completes a long held ambition - to get some of Australia’s piping playing for Major-General His Grace Association, and both of the city's foot- history into a more archival form of print than the magazines in which these the Duke of Westminster KG TD, when ball clubs. articles first appeared. he was entertaining His Royal Highness “He willingly gives of his time, gener- In all there are 27 articles, and extensive illustrations. The Prince Andrew. ally donating any fee to either a military It also marks the continuing trend which we have been spearheading, in “Although no longer a serving sol- charity or the pipe band fund. piping at least, of providing copy in both traditional print and digital formats. dier, he continues to represent the “Jay's modest dedication and willing Regimental family by undertaking, often service has enhanced the reputation of at short notice, piping engagements for both the regimental family and the FULL TUNE INDEX AND COMPOSERS’ the city and many military and charita- Pipes & Drums.” LISTING + SECURE ON-LINE ORDERING ble organisations including the Lord http://www.duntroonpublishing.com/page356.html Mayor's office, the Irish Guards (from a contributor)

PAGE 30 PAGE 31 Piping World OFFOFF THE THE WIRE WIRE Do you disagree with any of the articles published in PIPING WORLD, would you like to make your own point - or just communicate with the 40,000+ pipers who get this digital magazine every month? [email protected]

Farquhar Finlayson recorded and I have never heard it played in public - but I'll see what I can 0141 954 1234 My name is Mary MacIsaac and I'm try- do about getting a recording for you [email protected] ing to find out how or where I might done). www.wallacebagpipes.com find a recording of a piece of pipe music by my great-uncle, Farquhar Made from the finest African blackwood Finlayson of Lochalsh,Scotland and, Gordon Highlanders here in our Glasgow production facility later,Australia. the wood is moisture free, matured and The piece is ‘Leaving Loch Alsh’. The photo (PWD54) is of the 2nd Bn. fully prepared prior to machining under I have a copy of the sheet music but Gordon Highlanders pipers. strict ISO9001 quality like systems and haven't been able to find a piper to play It was taken sometime between procedures. it for me yet (although there are plen- 1912-1914 in the courtyard of the ty around here!). Kasr-el-Nil Barracks at Cairo, Egypt. We give you "The Best of Both Worlds" Any suggestion you might have would There are other photos extant of combining CNC & manual machining be appreciated - I realize that the this period, also taken at the same loca- operation with all parts fully tested prior Farquhar Finlayson in your publication tion and a particular one is the Officers to assembly. Our unique boring tech- is likely not our Farquhar but I stum- of the 2nd Battalion, their photo has nique produces a level of finish that is bled upon it and thought you might the name of each officer with the of the highest standards with concen- have an idea for me. photo; pity the pipers photo was not tricity and straightness guaranteed. treated the same way. Mary MacIsaac I can't fully identify the medals worn, All of our bagpipes can be supplied Nova Scotia, Canada but the pipe major (who should be eas- either sticks only or fully assembled ily identified from the Gordons ready to play with fittings of your choice (Ed:- you have hit upon one of my records) appears to have a Q.S.A. and a and are guaranteed for a period of favourite subjects. K.S.A. and one other which may be a three years from the date of purchase. I have been researching Farquhar coronation medal. Finlayson since the mid 1980s. The 2nd Bn. arrived at the Kasr-el-Nil We have also published a number of Barracks from India circa 1912 and left PROUD SPONSORS OF his compositions including 'Leaving for Flanders in the summer of 1914. THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS Lochalsh'. They entered that theatre on 7 As far as I am aware it has never been October 1914 and were attached to www.WallaceBagpipes.com PAGE 33 Piping World

the 7th Division. great idea! They were engaged in the First Battle Just to be clear for me…this is for of Ypres which was fought between writing and not writing music. October/November 1914. No doubt most of the boys in the Scott Murray photo played their companies into bat- Moncton, Nebraska tle during the early years of the Great War and later after much to many (Ed:- we've been advertising it for piper casualties they were used as about 6 months now - last month we ammunition carriers and stretcher also got a nice phone call and email bearers. from Ray Eagle who wrote Seton's Hope this is helpful biography. Yes,you are correct - it is a text con- Bob Green cept, not tune composition. There has been a bit of feedback but not a lot in the way of contribution Seton Gordon Award although there is a bit of time before the deadline. This is the first I've heard of this award. However, we are committed to the

PAGE 35 Piping World Piping World award and intend to make it it an annu- Own Borderers but in fact Piper Daniel al fixture). McKay of the 78th or Seaforth Highlanders. I can provide documents to prove Pipe Major John MacKay, this and what I'm wondering is where Liverpool Scottish all the information surrounding John McKay started? As well as being a piper I also collect He couldn't have written the ‘Badge medals to pipers and enjoy researching of Scotland’ for his father John of the the history of the medals and men in KOSB although I have found out his my collection and that's how I met Grandfather was John. DRONE Dick Crawford. There's a few questions to be His book ‘Pipers of the Highland answered here and that is; Regiments’ has excellent biographical *did John McKay of the Liverpool MALONE information on a lot of Victorian pipers. Scottish write the ‘Badge of Scotland’ by Akard Dick was recently telling me about as his father was a Seaforth? the articles he had written for your *did he write it for his grandfather magazine. although looking at John Jnr’s father I have the medals of Pipe Major John Daniel’s death certificate it would McKay of the Liverpool Scottish and appear he never knew his grandfather’s only last week I mentioned to Dick Christian name that I was doing some research to find *was there definitely a Pipe Major John out if he was born in India as some sug- McKay of the KOSB or was it Daniel gested or in fact Glencorse. McKay ex Seafoths? I couldn't believe it when he emailed *was John McKay Jnr’s grandfather John me and said I should get PIP[ING the Pipe Major of the KOSB? WORLD to check out the article on John McKay. There's an interesting story here. I had been planning on writing an article on him and asking you if you James Bishop would like it for your magazine and I Scotland wish I had contacted you earlier as I have some great photos of him and some of his medals. Two Pipe Majors I have recently found his birth at Glencorse (Glencross) Edinburgh on I have a burning question for you that 19 October 1860 and this is where it has really intrigued me now for the last gets interesting because his father was few weeks and something that is actu- not John McKay of the KOSB or Kings ally happening at the moment here in

PAGE 36 PAGE 37 Piping World Piping World Denmark. mind and I have made numerous THE MACCRIMMON PIPERS OF SKYE: I have had 35 years experience in searches to gain an answer to this situ- playing the Great Highland Bagpipe, 22 ation. A Tradition Under Siege years of this in the British Army and By Bruce Campbell now have also gained my Pipe Majors David Kelly Certificate from The Army School of Denmark back in Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming Author and historian Bruce in Edinburgh. (Ed:- I am very wary of being involved Campbell has pulled together print Never in my entire Piping career have or making comment on what is clearly every strand of the MacCrimmon I heard of such a thing. a private matter. story - legends, warts and all - My question is; has there ever been a PIPING WORLD also has a very and in presenting the evidence Military or Civilian Pipe & Drums or large number of readers from the Pipe Band that has ever had two pipe Danish piping community. writes a compelling account of majors running at the same time i.e. Having said that I would think that the race of warrior pipers who ‘job sharing’ the appointment? anyone with your listed qualification served successive MacLeod Let me make it clear so you totally should appeal to any pipe band, regard- chiefs as their hereditary piper. understand - two separate people less of country. being pipey and not the pipe major/ A number of bands, including at least The legacy of the MacCrimmons pipe sergeant/pipe corporal traditional one in Denmark that I know of, do in is their music, and that will live arrangement. fact have a pipe major 'emeritus' situa- Yes, I have heard of many bands tion whereby someone of long and dis- forever. whether military or civilian that have tinguished service in the role of pipe many pipers within their ranks that major stays on in an advisory capacity ORDERS £14.50 hold the qualification to be pipe major and wears the insignia of rank. (worldwide postage is free) but I have never heard of a band that That is quite common in other walks has two people at the helm and run- of life. PAY PAL PURCHASES AVAILABLE http://www.duntroonpublishing.com/page264aa.html ning consecutively. The question as to whether or not it Surely there is only space in the front works in the often tetchy world of pipe rank right hand side for one person. bands is quite another subject; horses DUNTROON PUBLISHING I would really like to find this infor- for courses, I would think). 120 St Oswalds Avenue, Prenton, Wirral CH43 7ZH mation out as it is really playing on my TEL: 0151 652 9426 www.duntroonpublishing.com

Complete with photos, family trees and comprehensive notes and available direct from the publishers or from quality piping shops.

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THIS PHOTO was sent in by mili- tary piping researcher Dick Crawford and is one of a number which will be included in his forth- coming book,‘Floo’ers o’ the Forest: Fallen pipers of the Great War’. Photos of a regiment’s pipers rather than the full band were popular at this time. This is most likely the 2nd Bn taken some time around 1914. Judging by the background (palm tree and blinds on the windows) it appears to be shot in a tropical climate - yet the pipers are in home uniform rather than tropi- cal white tunics. There are a number of other interesting items in this portrait; * the pipers are all wearing ‘castle’ shoulder shells similar to the pres- ent-day Guards pattern * long service chevrons are worn on both sleeves (they are the ones at the lower part of the sleeve). Their use on full dress uniform only lasted a short period. * other than the pipe major (who is wearing his rank chevrons on both arms) there are only two lance-corporals * only the pipe major has a ‘stitched’ plaid - the other pipers have the rather scruffy style of scarf plaid.

PPIIPPEE BBAANNDDSS IINN PPIICCTTUURREESS ...... 22nndd BBnn.. KK..OO..SS..BB..

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