By JEANNIE CAMPBELL MBE • PART 11 • NOVEMBER
1st November
The wedding of the younger daughter of Field Marshal Lord Methuen of Corsham Court, took place at St Bartholomew’s Church, Corsham in Wiltshire, the Bishop of St Albans officiating. Pipe Major MacIntosh of the Scots Guards preceded the bride on her arrival and played outside the church after the ceremony. Lord Methuen was the Colonel of the regiment.
•Andrew MacIntosh was born in 1891 and was Pipe Major of the 2nd Batt Scots Guards 1917 to 1932 and later was PM of the Training Battalion and Holding Battalion. He composed the retreat march Sandy’s Farewell to the Scots Guards, published 1920, Hills of Kowloon (1927) and Road to Sham Shui-po (1928).
The funeral of Mr J MacPherson, Builder, Newtonmore, took place. He had served with the 4th Camerons during the war and was severely wounded at Festubert. The local Territorials and ex-servicemen from a wide district turned out in large numbers, while a pipe and drum band from the Cameron depot at Inverness was also in attendance. Mr MacPherson was 38 years of age and unmarried.
2nd November
The juvenile organisations in Falkirk had a church parade with Boys’ Brigade Pipe and Brass Bands in the procession.
4th November
This appeared in the Aberdeen Journal: “In the remote uplands of Donside there dwelt not so many years ago a veteran pipe major who had seen service in many hard fought campaigns. An excellent fellow, withal, but he had one redeeming vice, an almost insatiable thirst. Advice and admonitions were unavailing, and one day when an old friend reminded him that his doings were being commented on adversely, the old pipe major retorted caustically: ‘Oh aye, a’body speaks aboot Davie’s drinkin’, but naebody speaks aboot Davie’s drouth.’ The remark gets right down to the kernel of the liquor problem; for there is more real philosophy in the pipe major’s protest than in many verbose prohibitionist lectures. The world’s drouth, or thirst, asserts itself in spite of pussyfoot talk, shorter hours for liquor selling, and widespread depression in trade. Remarkable though it may seem, neither the appearance of great ‘dry’ patches on the other side of the Atlantic not the existence of a million unemployed in this country seems to have seriously affected the prosperity of the brewing and distillers trade.”
In Cookstown cinema a special picture illustrating the story of Rob Roy MacGregor was shown. A special feature was the pipe music by members of the local pipe band, Mr Taylor in the afternoon and Mr Duffy in the evening. The profits from both houses went to the sweet stall at the coming Sale of Work for the Zenana Mission.
5th November
It was reported that Pitlochry Pipe Band, which had been run on somewhat independent lines for some time, was formally reorganised at a meeting in the Institute, Mr D Ross MacKay, presiding over a large attendance. It was agreed that the band be formed into a Pipers’ Association, and the following office bearers were elected, Patron, Col C A J Butter of Pitlochry; President, General Sir Frederick Campbell; Vice Presidents, Mr J H Dixon, Col Foster of Faskally, Lt E J Ferguson of Baledmund, Commander Dewhurst, Mr D Stewart Ferguson of Dunfallandy, Mr H Mitchell, Mr Alastair C Sandeman of Fonab, Mr A M Meldrum, Mr F Park, Mr Thos Muir, and Mrs Harper. Secretary, Mr Charles Scott; Treasurer, Mr S Ross MacKay, together with a committee. The accounts showed a credit balance of £5 2s. 10d, which was considered very satisfactory. It was agreed that a public appeal be made to provide some new uniforms and a side drum for next season.
This small advertisement appeared in The Scotsman: “Pipe Band, comprising 8 full size bagpipes, 8 practice chanters and 6 drums. Apply Duncan, 281 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath.”
The Perthshire Advertiser announced: “We understand that the newly formed Pitlochry Pipe Band is to practice every Monday and Thursday night. The community is therefore warned that any strange noises heard on these evenings must not be misunderstood.”
6th November
The players and supporters of Woolston British Legion FC in Hampshire held a social evening at their headquarters. The company was played into supper by PM Sinclair, official piper to the Southampton Scottish Association.
7th November
The annual gathering of the natives and friends of Tir Nam Beann was held at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh. The concert included music from the Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, PM Alex Hendry.
The Belfast station had a programme of Scottish music in the evening. This included selections from Pipe Major J Heywood.
Also in Belfast the AGM of East Belfast Pipe Band was held at their band hall. The officials elected included Pipe Major C Coulter, Pipe Sergeant J Bunting jnr and drill instructor Mr J McGrillen.
It was also reported that the O’Neill Irish War Pipe Band, recently formed in the Falls Road district had had a first turn out under Mr J Hughes.
An announcement stated that at the Kintyre Highland Gathering the judge for piping would be Pipe Major Reid, HLI and the judge for dancing would be Pipe Major W Gray, Paisley. This was William Gray, (1878 to 1940), a newsagent and licensed spirit merchant, who often judged dancing competitions. He should not be confused with Pipe Major William Gray of the Glasgow Police. Willie Gray’s bar was advertised in the Cowal Collection in 1932.
Radio programmes included at 7.15pm the pipe band of the 7th HLI, under PM Robert Reid, playing Scottish Airs; Strathspey, Braes o’ Mar; Reel, High Road to Linton.
The Kilmallie branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach held its first meeting of the season in the Hall, Corpach. The evening’s entertainment commenced with piping by Pipe Major Paterson, whose spirited playing roused the audience to enthusiasm.
8th November
The Oban Times reported: “Mr James Stewart, the secretary of the Oban Pipe Band, has sent £2.10s as a donation from the Band towards the Oban School Children’s Dinner Fund.”
For Poppy Day the Forfar Pipe Band paraded the streets in the afternoon and evening playing national and patriotic airs to rouse enthusiasm for a good cause. A collection in aid of the Legion’s local help fund was also made at the Reid Hall and at the Pavilion at both houses. £82 13s 2½d was raised.
This appeared in the Campbeltown Courier: “Mr and Mrs Archibald Mustarde desire to return sincere thanks to the members of the Argyll Pack Battery, the Football Association, the Pipe Band, and all others who by turning out to the funeral of their son, or by sending wreaths showing their respect and sympathy, and for all other expressions of sympathy with them in their sad bereavement.”
Folkstone papers reported the funeral of Colonel W L Gray which took place at Hythe with full military honours. A lament was played by PM McNab.
The third of the Gaelic Society of Perth lectures for the season was reported. Mr Mitchell spoke on Antiquities and Early Church Foundation in Atholl. During the evening there were songs by several members and piping from PM MacPhee who played Atholl Highlanders, Braes of Tullymet, Loch Tayside, Inverness Gathering, Mrs MacKenzie of Kilcoy, Salmon Poachers and O’ro.
9th November
On Remembrance Day several thousand people assembled for the service on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle where the service included the pipe band of the 1st Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
The British Legion observed Armistice Day at St Giles Cathedral where the service included a pipe lament.
For their Armistice Service the Corstorphine British Legion were fortunate in securing the services of a VC, Lieutenant Colonel W Robertson, and the Postal Pipe Band which played The Land of the Leal, The Borderer’s Welcome Home, and Scots Wha Hae. At the conclusion of the service a lament was played, followed by the Last Post.
In the evening a memorial service was held at the Old Kirk in Edinburgh where the lament was played by PM Duff.
In Tobermory the Armistice ceremonial parade included the town pipe band under Mr MacLeod, Mishnish Hotel. On the approach to the memorial the procession proceeded at the slow march to the tune Scots Wha Hae. Piper Livingstone, 1st Battalion HLI played the lament Land of the Leal.
After a service at St Fillan’s church the Newport pipe band led the procession to the memorial on the Tayport Road.
In Aberchirder the parade of ex-servicemen was headed by a pipe band.
In Dunblane the pipe band of the Queen Victoria School played at the service.
In Kirkwall the parade was headed by the Kirkwall City Pipe Band.
In Campbeltown a bugler from the 8th Argylls sounded the Last Post and pipers under PM Thomson played The Flowers of the Forest.
In Milngavie the service at the war memorial in Douglas Street included the Royal Scots Fusiliers from Maryhill Barracks led by PM MacDonald.
The parade and service at Dennyloanhead included the Haggs Pipe Band.
In Hawick the service at the War Memorial included a lament played by the Ex-Soldiers Pipe Band.
Kelso Pipe Band headed the parade from the church to the war memorial in Kelso.
In Innerleithen the British Legion Pipe Band played.
In Duns the service included piping by the British Legion Pipe Band.
In St Andrews the University OTC Pipe Band played at the service.
In Belfast St Aidan’s Church Lads Cadet Pipe Band played at a service at St Mary’s Church.
In Tyrone the memorial service in connection with the A and B Specials included a parade headed by the Northern Area Pipe Band.
The B Specials Pipe Band played at the service in Lurgan.
At the Ardmore service the Lurgan Special Constabulary Pipe Band, PM Carson, and the Corbett Flute Band, Mr D Hyde, played.
There were reports of many other services which were held throughout Scotland and Ireland but although pipers or pipe bands were said to be present these were not named.
11th November
In Edinburgh the staff and boys of George Heriot’s school, headed by their OTC Pipe Band marched to the school’s war memorial where wreaths were laid.
At George Watson’s College pupils and staff assembled and two pipers fron the school’s OTC played Scots Wha Hae at the war memorial where wreaths were laid.
The ex-servicemen of Southend, Kintyre, held their annual social in the Territorial Hall. Pipe Major D Cameron was among those contributing music.
12th November
The Daily Record had this report: “Pipe Major John Balloch MSM who conducted the Greenock Police Pipe Band at the Armistice ceremony at the memorial in the Wellpark, Greenock, yesterday, played the charge at Tel-El-Kebir in 1882 at the head of the leading company of the Highland Brigade, and also saw service in France in the late war. He composed the pipe tunes The 25th KOSB Farewell to Meerut and other pieces. As an adjudicator of piping he is well known throughout Scotland.”
•John Balloch was born in 1860 at Grantown on Spey Morayshire. He joined 57th Bde (42nd and 79th Hldrs) in 1878 age 18 and served in Gibraltar. He played at Tel-El-Kebir with 79th in Egyptian Campaign then in 1883 or 1886 he became PM 1st KOSB, serving in Upper Burma 1889-90. In 1899 he retired aged 39 and became PM 5th A & SH (Greenock). In 1914 he rejoined and became PM 8th KOSB and served in France July 1915 to 1918 when he was invalided home and completed service with 9th Officers Cadet Batt at Gailes. He tutored Greenock Police Pipe Band while living in Greenock where he had a tobacconist shop. Later he moved to Rothesay where he died. He composed 25th Farewell to Meerut, Auchmountain’s Bonnie Glen, 25th KOSBs Slow March, Sunset in Flanders, Dunkirk Gallant Boatmen, (composed for Alistair McMillan of Rothesay), The Borderers, Captain G D Pullar (Black Watch) Leaving Tayside and Castle Wemyss. John Balloch died in 1947.
Advertisements for careers in the regular army stated that the recruiting staff and pipe band of the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders would be in Fraserburgh on 15th November and Peterhead on 29th November.
A concert was given by the band of the Royal Irish Fusiliers at the Wellington Hall, Belfast. In addition to the selections played by the military band the programme included playing and dancing by the pipers of the regiment under the direction of PM McNally.
A concert by Percy’s Popular Pierrots, in aid of the local pipe band was held in the New Hall, Torphichen, Bathgate. The drawings amounted to over £22.
A full military funeral took place in Inverness for Bandmaster H T Tuff. The gun carriage bearing the coffin had a guard of six Cameron sergeants and was preceded by a firing party of Cameron Highlanders, the Depot Pipe Band, the Inverness Silver Band and brethren of St Mary’s Lodge of Freemasons. The Flowers of the Forest was played by the pipe band and in turn the Silver Band played funeral marches.
14th November
The Daily Record reported: “The Scottish Pipers’ Association meets every Saturday at 16 Gardner Street, St George’s Cross, from 4 o’clock till 7.30pm and recently with the president, Pipe Major J MacDougall Gillies in the chair, a presentation was made to Pipe Major George Yardley, Cambuslang, of a beautiful solid silver-mounted chanter in a case, to mark his departure for Dunedin, New Zealand, as Pipe Major of the Caledonian (Dunedin) Association. Pipe Major Yardley is well known in piping circles.”
•George Yardley was born in 1874 at New Monkland, Lanarkshire. He worked as an engineman at a colliery. He played with the 5th HLI under J McD Gillies and was the founder of the Cambuslang Pipe Band. He was a founder member of the Scottish Pipers’ Association in 1920. At the Argyllshire Gathering he won the Strathspey and Reel in 1909 and the Gold Medal in 1911. He won the Northern Meeting March in 1908 and the Gold Medal in 1911 so he had won both medals in the same year. He went to South Africa after World War One then to New Zealand in 1924 where he died in 1938.
The report continued: “The Scottish Pipers’ Association are having a great competitive gathering in the Pearce Institute, Govan on Saturday 29th November, commencing at three o’clock, when there will be eight classes for piping and one for drumming. For Piobaireachd (open to amateurs) there are the F MacRae Trophy and four gold medals, while for marches (confined to members who are amateurs) there are the Chisholm Cup and four prizes. A Challenge Shield is offered to the piper having most points in the classes for marches and strathspey and reel (both juvenile events). There are four prizes in money or kind in each event. Entries are through the secretary, M Currie, 1 Thornbank Terrace, Glasgow C3.”
•This notice is not entirely accurate as in fact the Cameron Cup was, and still is, awarded for Marches and the Chisholm Cup for Strathspeys and Reels.
15th November
The Campbeltown Courier reported on the Kintyre Highland Gathering which had taken place on Friday evening 7th November in the Victoria Hall, Campbeltown, with an audience that completely filled the building. “The programme opened with the piping competitions which were judged by Pipe Major Reid, HLI, Glasgow. The piping was of a high standard, and the judge was particularly struck with its quality for a local gathering. Pipe Major Gray, Paisley, judged the dancing, which was wholly taken part in by juveniles. This also was of a good standard, particularly the Scottish dances. The judge here indicated that the Jig dancers were handicapped by not having jig shoes. A number of vocal items lent welcome variety to the programme, and the bulk of the audience would probably have liked this feature to have been more in evidence. Two Mod gold medallists were among the singers. The Gathering was attended by an international party of gentlemen from Glasgow, viz Messrs R G Lawrie, Bagpipe Maker, Edgar, Reid and Burrows. The latter is the Chief of the Caledonian Society of Melbourne, Australia and is on a visit to his native land. Mr Lawrie and party judged the dress competitions. The prizes offered in the various competitions were handsome and varied, and they were gracefully presented to the winners at the close, by Mrs Macneal, Lossit.”
The piping prize list was:
March, Strathspey and Reel (open):
- Ronald McCallum, Millknowe
- PM William Thomson, Lossit
- Peter McCallum, Millknowe
March, Strathspey and Reel (local):
- Ronald McCallum, Millknowe
- Peter McCallum, Millknowe
- Allister McMillan, Saddell St.
March, Strathspey and Reel (for those who never won a first prize):
- PM D Cameron, Macharioch
- William McCallum, Millknowe
- Alexander Lang, Witchburn
Cup presented by Dowager Duchess of Argyll for natives (tunes selected by judge): Ronald McCallum, Millknowe.
Best Dressed Adult: Piper Angus Campbell, Davaar.
James and William McCallum, both Millknowe were prize winners in the dancing events.
According to a small advertisement in the same paper, The Piper o’ Perth could get rid of rats and mice.
The Scottish Clans Association of London held their annual dinner at the Connaught Rooms. During the evening the pipers of the Association and the pipe band of the Royal Caledonian Schools played selections.
In Northern Ireland a service was held at Greyabbey Presbyterian Church. The procession assembled at the Orange Lodge and was led to the church by the 1st Ballywalter Pipe Band. The collection was in aid of the Lord Enniskillen Memorial Orphan Fund.
The Oban Times reported that the Clan MacRae Society Pipe Band, PM W Fergusson, had played at the Lewis and Harris Association Gathering in the St Andrew’s Hall, Glasgow on the previous Friday.
The same paper reported that in Inveraray PM MacKenzie had several youths under training as pipers. Their progress was good as they would soon be able to take their places in the Castle Pipe Band.
Another report stated that in Edinburgh the meetings of the Highland Pipers’ Society would be held at the UF Church Hall, Lothian Road for the coming season. The Society had for the past twenty years been foremost in the city in providing facilities for the cultivation of the arts of piping and dancing. Those present regularly at the meetings included PM William Ross, PM James Sutherland, PM J O Duff, Mr William MacLeod, Mr A M Calder, and Mr Malcolm Johnston.
As advertised previously the pipe band of the Gordon Highlanders from Castlehill Barracks, Aberdeen, visited Fraserburgh. The band, which consisted of 17 pipers and 13 drummers, was in charge of PM Robertson and DM Grant. It paraded the streets of the town, playing stirring music, and attracted a great deal of attention. The parade concluded with a performance for half an hour on Saltoun Square. In the afternoon the band was present at a football match in Bellslea Park, and played on the field for half an hour prior to the start of the game. Lt Col Morrison DSO, recruiting officer of the regiment, accompanied the band, which returned to Aberdeen by the afternoon train.
Philipstoun Pipe Band visited Broxburn where they made a fine appearance at Sorts Park where prior to the football match and at half time selections were played. They took up a collection in aid of the band funds.
The Dundee Boys’ Brigade pipe band played concerts at various locations around the city and a collection was taken for the Earl Haig fund.
A shinty match between Lochside Rovers and Minard took place at Mossfield Park in Oban. The Oban Pipe Band under Pipe Major Lawrie was present and played during the interval.
A dance was held in Arniston Mains in aid of the dress fund of the Borthwick and District Pipe Band. A handsome sum was handed over to the band funds.
A function was held to honour Mr Bisset who was relinquishing his post as secretary of the Bellshill, Mossend and District Pipe Band as he was leaving the district. Pipe Major Watson made Mr Bissett the recipient of a small gift as an appreciation of the valuable services he had given so willingly. The new secretary was Mr J MacKay.
16th November
A parade of the Forth RGA under the command of Major Barnet Wylie VD, led by the Caledonian Pipe Band, took place at the RGA Memorial followed by a commemoration service in Kirkcaldy Parish Church.
In Kinghorn a parade from the town hall to the war memorial included the Boy Scout pipe band.
At the service held in St Michael’s Church, Craven Street, Shankhill Road, St Michael’s CLB Cadet Company with their pipe band were in attendance.
In the afternoon a brief ceremony took place in the Canongate, Edinburgh where the names of the fallen from the ancient burgh were inscribed on an imposing tablet on the wall of the Old Tollbooth. The Abbeyhill and District Pipe Band played the lament.
18th November
In Stonehaven, Councillor Mowat, whose practical interest in the pipe band was well known, arranged a musical treat in aid of band funds. This consisted of a visit of the Shepherds’ Choir of fifty voices, from Aberdeen, and the programme was composed exclusively of Scots music, ‘The Auld Scotch Sangs’ which never failed in their appeal. The Stonehaven Pipe Band, under PM McDonald, gave a number of items.
The half yearly feeing market took place at Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The recruiting officers from Castlehill Barracks were in attendance throughout the day, accompanied by the Gordons’ Pipe Band which discoursed stirring music.
19th November
In Edinburgh the Postal Pipe Band played selections before the match and at the interval of the Post Office Cup tie between Glasgow P O and Postal United at Logie Green.
The Aberdeen Journal reported: “The funeral of the late Pipe Major John Sutherland Ross took place to the Tomnahurich Cemetery with military ceremony. He had an excellent record of service as a volunteer, and was Pipe Major of the 4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders during the war. He was present at the battles of Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, Givenchy and Loos. He saw further considerable service in France. After the war the 4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders was reorganised, and he soon trained an efficient band. He was an excellent player of the pipes, and composed a march The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, which was played on occasions when the 4th Camerons foregathered after the war. Pipe Major Ross was highly respected in the battalion, and his death will be regretted by everyone in it.”
Between 350 and 400 attended the Edinburgh police dance in the Victoria Hall, Leith Street. The function was a most successful one, a feature of the evening being the presence of members of the Police Pipe Band who supplied the stirring music for the Highland reels and similar dances.
At the conclusion of the fortnightly lecture at the U F Hall, held by the Gaelic Society of Perth, a presentation took place to Pipe Major Kennedy who had for 24 years acted as Pipe Major to the Society. Chief Sutherland presented the Pipe Major with a clock and said he hoped Mr Kennedy would continue to be with the Society occasionally and have years of life yet before him along with his family. PM Kennedy replied with thanks saying he would prize the clock very much and he hoped to still play occasionally.
21st November
The BBC broadcast a ten minute talk on Clan Gillean. The speaker was Professor Magnus MacLean, Miss Margaret Aitken illustrated vocally, Mr Edward MacEwen junior sang two songs and the piping was done by Mr William MacLean who had been Pipe Major of the 5th Camerons during the war.
The Arbroath Herald reported on Arbroathians abroad, with a report of the Detroit Arbroath Association which had held a concert and dance the previous month. PM James Blair was among those taking part.
The Daily Record reported that in London the banquet of the Motor and Cycle Trades’ Benevolent Fund was attended by the Pipe Major and pipers of the Scots Guards. The Prince of Wales was present and displayed great interest in the piping, while the ladies present displayed great interest in the Prince.
The half yearly feeing market at Elgin was held in excellent weather. Music was discoursed during the day by the pipe and drum band of the Seaforth Highlanders from Fort George under Pipe Major MacLennan.
In Glasgow the Townhead Juvenile Pipe Band intimated that a series of Whist Drives would be held in the Orange Hall, Tennent St, Townhead, in aid of their uniform fund.
23rd November
The 1st Bathgate Coy Boys’ Brigade held their annual church parade. The company assembled at the Stelyard and marched to the church headed by their pipe band.
The 1st St Andrews Company Boys’ Brigade headed by their Pipe Band and Colours attended the morning service at the Church of the Holy Trinity.
24th November
A very impressive semi-military funeral took place at Kirkwall when the remains of Private William Wylie Herdman, late Seaforths, were laid to rest in St Olaf Cemetery. Members of the British Legion under the command of ex-Reg Sgt Major Rendall paraded at the Drill Hall and headed by the City Pipe Band, marched to the home of the deceased, where six of his Seaforth comrades bore the coffin shoulder high to the hearse. A start was then made for the cemetery, the band playing a lament. Nearing the cemetery another lament was played by the band. Inside the cemetery the ex-servicemen were drawn up in two lines, through which the coffin was again borne shoulder high by six Seaforths, the members of the Legion saluting the bier with heads uncovered. Rev William Barclay MA also an ex-serviceman, conducted a short service at the grave, after which the band played the Flowers of the Forest and trumpeters sounded the Last Post. There was a large attendance at the funeral, both ex-servicemen and civilians.
25th November
A demonstration by the various juvenile athletic organisations of the Salvation Army Corps in Aberdeen was held at the Salvation Army Citadel to raise funds towards the formation of a pipe band which would be attached to the Scout Corps. Selections were given by the Oakbank Industrial School Pipe Band.
The Edinburgh Tramway Employees Concert took place at a crowded Usher Hall. The concert which was in aid of the Widows and Orphans Fund included selections from the Tramways Pipe Band and Highland dancers.
27th November
The Edinburgh News reported: “The proceedings were of a lively nature at the annual meeting of the Cowdenbeath and District Pipe Band Association last night. The chief discussion arose over the dispute in the pipe band in connection with the Birnam contest. Mr J Black, the chairman, explaining the position, stated that the Band Committee, because of a lack of funds, agreed to allow the pipe band to attend the Birnam contest only under contest rules, which are to the effect that the Committee were only responsible for the travelling expenses and entry money. At the contest the band won fifth prize, to the value of £5, which was handed over on that day to the pipe major. This money was spent in providing dinner and tea, and there was an extra amount of £6 7s 6d for travelling expenses.
“The Band Committee on receiving this report made enquiries, and Pipe Major Brown shouldered the whole of the responsibility in spending the £5, and, as a result, he was suspended until this money was repaid. The Committee then appointed Sergeant McDade to fill the position, but he refused owing to the circumstances, and thus brought about the present deadlock. Pipe Major Brown, in an explanation, said he was only acting in a humane manner towards the members of his band, who had not money to purchase their dinner or tea.
“A discussion ensued, but eventually a motion and an amendment were put forward, the motion approving of the action of the Band Committee and the amendment refusing to homologate the action of the Committee in suspending the pipe major. The amendment became the finding of the meeting.”
PM Deans advertised performances by the Kilty Lassies at Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh Castle.
The Oban Pipe Band held a Grand Highland Concert in the Argyllshire Gathering Hall. The concert began with the pipe band playing a march, strathspey and reel. Other instrumental items and songs followed. There were Scotch reels from pipers J MacFarlane and A MacFarlane and drummers Campbell and N MacLennan. The pipers of the band rendered The Green Hills with seconds, a particularly enjoyable tune which received a special round of applause,. Other items were a Highland Fling by piper Angus Macpherson, the Sailor’s Hornpipe by Pipe Major Angus Lawrie and a humerous item by Piper McIsaac, Mr Colin Bell and Mr James Anderson.
The Berwick Advertiser announced: “As a result of the meeting held a short time ago to form a pipe band in Berwick, practices are being held twice a week in the Drill Hall, Ravensdowne. At present the band comprises eight pipers, four side and a big drummer, but recruits are desired.”
The half yearly feeing market at Huntly was held in dull raw weather. The pipe band of the Gordon Highlanders, from Aberdeen, discoursed music and the recruiting sergeants enlisted several young men.
The Musselburgh News announced that the council had awarded £3 3s to the pipe band upon an application from the same stating that their uniform was becoming shabby and needed repairing.
The pipe band of the Seaforth Highlanders, Fort George, attended the Nairn feeing market for recruiting purposes. A large gathering appreciated the lively selections given by the pipers.
28th November
Pipe Major MacRae played at the annual gathering of the Glasgow Sutherlandshire Association in the City Hall.
A concert at Bowmore included selections by the pipe band.
The annual dinner of Barrow-in-Furness St Andrew’s Society was held. The St Andrew’s pipe band played in the royal haggis.
Kinglassie Amateur Dramatic Club produced a Scottish comedy, Mains’ Wooin’ in the Gothenburg Hall, Bowhill. The performance was in aid of Auchterderran pipe band.
In Turriff the pipe band dance was held in the Church Hall. At the Portsmouth Caledonian Society’s St Andrew’s dinner the haggis was piped in by Major Ranson.
The Dalkeith Advertiser reported: “In Newbyres Hall a practice programme was played by the Borthwick and District Pipe Band under the conductorship of Pipe Major Robert McNab Halliday.”
29th November
In Reay, a Concert and Bring and Buy Sale was held to raise funds for the construction of a branch road between Shebster and Achremie. The concert opened with piping from Pipe Major MacKay, Messrs G Asher, J MacKay and D W MacKay.
The annual piping competition of the Scottish Pipers’ Association took place in the Pearce Institute, Govan, Sir Iain Colquhoun DSO, Rossdhu, presided, and he was supported by Mr Percy Thomson, secretary Highland Club; ex-Baillie Arch Campbell; Mr McKenzie, Hotel, Lochboisdale; Mr MacGregor Murray, Inverness; PM J MacDougall Gillies, President; PM J MacKenzie, Govan; PM Wm Gray, Glasgow Police Pipe Band; ex-PM A Hutcheon, Govan Police Pipe Band; PM Shepherd, Eddleswood Pipe Band; PM A McPhedran, 5th HLI; PM D Gray, Singers Pipe Band; PM J Swanson, 9th HLI; ex-PM D McDougall, late 8th Scottish Rifles; ex PM Wm McLean, Lochiel Camerons; Mr James McLiver, Islay Association. The competitions were followed with interest by a large audience and there were 62 pipers with 18 drummers.
The results were:
March, confined to boys and girls 16 years and under (16 competitors):
- Cameron Hutcheson, Dalmuir (P Henderson Silver Medal)
- R McDonald, Renton
- R Cowie, Glasgow
- Miss Fitzpatrick, Partick
Strathspey and Reel, confined to boys and girls 16 years and under (16 competitors):
- Cameron Hutcheson (sporran presented by J Murray)
- A McLeod, Glasgow
- R McDonald
- R Cowie
Piobaireachd, open to Amateurs
- H McTavish, Glasgow (Farquhar Macrae Trophy and gold medal):
- A McLeod
- Jas McNicol, Islay
- Wm Barrie, Glasgow
March, confined to members, amateurs:
- Matt Sloan, Glasgow (Cameron Cup and Sgian dubh)
- Alex MacNeill, Glasgow
- R Davidson, Glasgow
- George Grant, Barrhead
Strathspey and Reel, confined to members, amateurs:
- Neil McKechnie, Govan (Chisholm Cup and practising chanter presented by D McRae, Argyle St)
- H McTavish
- M Sloan
- A McNeill
Professionals. March:
- J McDonald, Glasgow Police Pipe Band
- Angus Campbell, Glasgow
- Ex-PM John McKenzie, Govan
- Philip Melville, Glasgow Police Pipe Band
- Hugh Kennedy, Tiree
Strathspey and Reel:
- J McDonald, Uist
- Angus Campbell, Glasgow
- R McDonald
- Philip Melville
- Ex-PM J McKenzie
Best Dressed Highland, open:
- H McTavish
- PM A McPhedran, 5th HLI
- Philip Melville
- Angus Morrison, Glasgow Police Pipe Band
Drumming contest, open:
- R Adams, Millhall Pipe Band
- Laverty, 7th HLI
- Moir, Glasgow Police Pipe Band
- White, 5th HLI
- Ross, McLean Pipe Band
In the drumming contest there was a great variety of beating. The first prize winner gave an excellent exhibition.
The judges for piping were ex PM John MacDonald, 4th Camerons, Inverness; ex PM Wm Ross, 4th HLI, Hamilton; and PM George McDonald, Millhall Pipe Band, Stirling. The judge for drumming was DM H Duff, 5/8th Cameronians, Glasgow. The prizes were presented by Mr McKenzie, The Hotel, Lochboisdale. The judges had their work cut out for them, as the piping was very keenly contested, especially in the piobaireachd event, for which there were 17 competitors. The four prize winners were very close as regards points. In the amateur events confined to members, a high standard of playing took place, the performances being up to professional standard. The juveniles’ playing was excellent, and the first prize winner gave a very good performance. The whole programme was smoothly carried out, thanks to the hard working committee, consisting of Messrs James McIvor, H Lothian, J Turner, Hugh McIntyre, P McIntyre, J McBride and G McDonald. Valuable help was also rendered by PM Wm McLean, Lochiel Camerons, Mr Currie, the secretary and Mr R Mann. The President accorded a vote of thanks to the Chairman.
A Sale of Work and Cake and Candy Sale was held at the Y M Institute in aid of the funds of the Dalziel Thistle Juvenile Pipe Band. The sale raised £134 for the band funds.
The Pipe and Drum band of the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders paid a visit to Peterhead for the purpose of fulfilling a long-standing promise and at the same time encouraging recruiting. LT Col Morrison DSO, MC recruiting officer, was in command. The band gave selections in the town and at the Recreation Park.
The Glasgow Corporation Musical Recital held at the St Andrew’s and City Halls included Pipe Major G L Robertson of the Tramways pipe band and Highland Pipers and Dancers.
30th November
The 1st Fraserburgh Coy Boys’ Brigade celebrated St Andrew’s Day by a church parade. After the service the company, headed by the pipe band, marched to the war memorial which was saluted.
In London for St Andrew’s Night there was a special radio programme which included pipers from the Scots Guards under Pipe Major Andrew McIntosh.
Also in London St Andrew’s night was celebrated with a dinner at the Savoy Hotel. The haggis was borne aloft on a salver by the chef, between two lines of pipers from the 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. After dinner had been served to the 1200 guests the dancing was led off by the pipe band with a foursome reel and the regimental measure.
The Lincoln Scottish Association celebrated St Andrew’s Night with a dinner at which PM James Scott piped in the haggis and afterwards acted as toastmaster.