by Davie Hunter
The Woodlands Hotel in Broughty Ferry once again played host to an exceptional evening of piping last night, November 29th, 2024. The Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band held the second recital in their ongoing series to support and promote pipe bands in Dundee and the surrounding areas. The evening featured back-to-back Glenfiddich Piping Champion Callum Beaumont, joined by four talented young pipers from the City of Discovery Pipe Band (Grade 3A).
The recital began with the first City of Discovery duo delivering a spirited performance. They opened with a pair of 4-part 6/8 marches and followed with the band’s own Pipe Major Sandy Spence medley, a touching nod to the Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band’s close ties, as Sandy Spence’s grandson Niall is a current member and grandson Ally sponsored the event through Ally Meek Joinery Ltd. Their set concluded with a lively series of hornpipes, including Sandy’s New Chanter, and wrapped up with Horsburgh Castle and Gardens of Skye.
Callum Beaumont then took to the stage, debuting his new set of RG Hardie Heritage Legacy Bagpipes, which he had received just a week prior. Opening with competition marches such as Pipe Major Bruce Hitchings by Fred Morrison, Callum effortlessly transitioned into strathspeys and reels, including Susan MacLeod and Tulloch Castle. His flawless technique shone through as he played jigs like Michael MacDonald’s Jig and The Hand Shaker. A standout moment was his poignant rendition of the full Donald MacLeod piobaireachd, Salute to Queen Elizabeth the Second, during which the audience was utterly captivated. Callum concluded the first half with a series of hornpipes and marches, including a stirring performance of the Glasgow Skye Association Centenary.
After the intermission and a raffle featuring over £800 worth of prizes generously donated by supporters and suppliers, the second City of Discovery duo took the stage. Their set included 6/8 marches such as Dornoch Highland Gathering and Miss Lilly Christie, an MSR, and a concluding medley featuring Dream Valley of Glendaruel and a selection of hornpipes, leaving the audience energised.
Callum returned for the second half with a performance as captivating as the first. Despite the warmth of the ballroom, he kept his jacket on, displaying both poise and professionalism. Highlights included a set of 6/8 marches like Bonnie Dundee and The Bugle Horn, and a dynamic selection of Big Jigs, featuring The Banjo Breakdown and Allan MacPherson of Mosspark. He revisited his award-winning MSR from the 2024 Glenfiddich Piping Championships, performing Mrs Duncan McFadyen, Inverary Castle, and Bessie McIntyre to rapturous applause. The evening concluded with a final series of 3/4 marches, reels, and hornpipes, including a dazzling rendition of Pumpkin’s Fancy, which proved a standout highlight.
The Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Callum Beaumont, the City of Discovery pipers, and all attendees for making the event a resounding success.
The next recital is scheduled for March 7th, 2025, and tickets will go on sale this week. To secure your spot, visit: Ticket Tailor.