BY JEANNIE CAMPBELL MBE.
100 years ago
A century ago, as is the case at present, the Scottish Pipers’ Association had two competitions. Today these are divided into juveniles and Professionals on different dates but in 1926 both competitions had a much wider range of events for juveniles, amateurs, SPA members, professionals, TA members and even drummers.
The first SPA competition of 1926 was held in the Town Hall, Govan, on Saturday 10th April. Reports stated that the gathering, which proved highly successful, was presided over by the President, James McIvor, Govan. The platform stewards were PMs William McLean and John MacGregor Murray, and all the events, in which a large number of competitors from far and near took part, were carried out smoothly and efficiently. At this time the Secretary was Malcolm MacLean Currie and the Treasurer was William Gray.
Prize List. Piobaireachd, confined to members of the Association, The MacDougall Gillies Trophy and four prizes, (14 competitors): 1. H McTavish, Glasgow, MacCrimmon’s Sweetheart; 2. Cameron Hutcheson, Dalmuir, I Got a Kiss of the King’s Hand; 3. Wm Barrie, Glasgow, Lament for the Only Son; 4. George Grant, Barrhead, MacLeod of Raasay; 5. John Keir, Cardross, Kinlochmoidart; 6. James Wilson, Grangemouth, Desperate Battle. March, Strathspey and Reel, confined to amateur members: 1. Cameron Hutcheson, Mrs McColl, Cameronian Rant, Dairymaid; 2. John Keir, Highland Wedding, Shepherd’s Crook, Miss Proud; 3. 3. Alex McLeod, Glasgow, General Cheape, Shepherd’s Crook, A Cameron; 4. Wm McCulloch, Dalmuir, Millbank, Balmoral Castle, J McKechnie.
March, confined to Territorial pipers: 1. Alex McNeill, 9th HLI, Angus Campbell’s Farewell to Stirling; 2. James Wilson, 7th A&SH, Lochaber Gathering; 3. H McTavish, 5th HLI, Angus Campbell; 4. George Grant, 5/6th A&SH, Charles Hope Vere. Strathspey and Reel, confined to Territorial pipers: 1. James Wilson, Shepherd’s Crook, Caberfeidh; 2. Alex McNeill, Blair Drummond, Caberfeidh; 3. H McIntyre, 5th HLI, Blair Drummond, Caberfeidh; 4. H McTavish, Lady Louden, Miss Proud.
March, confined to boys, juvenile who never won a first prize: 1. Wm McCulloch, Millbank Cottage; 2. R Hepburn, Bonhill, Stirlingshire Militia; 3. Wm Barrie, Angus Campbell’s Farewell to Stirling; 4. N MacFarlane, Glasgow, Donald Cameron. Strathspey and Reel, confined to boys, juvenile who never won a first prize: 1. R Hepburn, Shepherd’s Crook, Alex Cameron; 2. Wm McCulloch, Balmoral Castle, John McKechnie; 3. Wm Barrie, Blair Drummond, Alex Cameron; 4. H Martin, Grangemouth, Ewe wi’ the Crooked Horn, Grey Bob. Piobaireachd, confined to boys under 18 years, who never won a first prize: 1. R Hepburn, Too Long in this Condition; Wm Barrie, Massacre of Glencoe; 3. N MacFarlane, Lament for Mary MacLeod; 4. H McInnes, Bonhill, Too Long in this Condition; 5. H McIntyre, Govan, The Battle of Auldearn.
The playing in all events was of a high standard, especially in the piobaireachd confined to members. H McTavish rendered MacCrimmon’s Sweetheart in excellent time, and well deserved first place. In march, strathspey and reel confined to members, Cameron Hutcheson played difficult pieces, Mrs McColl, Cameronian Rant and The Dairymaid, In the juvenile piobaireachd R Hepburn, Bonhill, was easily first with his rendering of Too Long in this Condition; not far behind him came Wm Barrie, Glasgow, with the Massacre of Glencoe. He is a promising player, as also is Wm McCulloch, Dalmuir. Not far behind them came the youngest player present, N MacFarlane, Glasgow.
In November another SPA competition was held in the Pearce Institute. The judges for piping were PM R Meldrum, John MacColl, Oban and PM John MacConnacher. Drum Major R Softley, 1st Battalion The Royal Scots was the judge for drumming. The stewards were PM W Maclean and Mr J MacGregor Murray.
The results were, March, Juveniles, 16 years and under. Peter Henderson Medal and four silver medals for the other placings: 1. A Macleod, Glasgow; 2. Wm MacCulloch, Dalmuir; 3. John Douglas, Kilwinning; 4.Donald MacNeill Jnr, Glasgow; 5. William Barrie, Glasgow. The first prize winner played Edinburgh Volunteers, and the others played respectively, Parker’s Welcome to Perthshire, Highland Wedding, Angus Campbell, and Edinburgh Volunteers. Strathspey and Reel, confined to boys 16 years under. 1. and winner of Mr Gordon’s Skean Dhu, Hugh Maclnnes, Bonhill. He played Ewe with the Crooked Horn and A Cameron. William Barrie, Glasgow, who was second, played The Shepherd’s Crook and Rejected Suitor. Balmoral Castle and Grey Bob won fourth place for J Smith, Glasgow; while Peter MacCallum. Kilmartin, was fifth with Balmoral Castle and Alex Duff. The four last mentioned were winners of Silver Medals. A decision was not arrived at for the handsome Shield offered to Juvenile Piper with most points, A Macleod and Hugh MacInnes, both first prize winners, will play to decide in the Association’s Headquarters, 9 Thistle Street, Glasgow. Piobaireachd Playing, Amateurs, Open, the first prize, Farquhar MacRae Trophy and Gold Medal went to Richard Hepburn, Bonhill, who gave a beautiful rendering of Mary MacLeod’s Lament. Second prize and Gold Medal was secured by Wm Barrie Glasgow, with MacCrimmon’s Sweetheart. Third and Gold Medal, A Cameron Hutchison, Dalmuir, with Kiss of the King’s Hand; James Wilson, Grangemouth, fourth prize and Gold Medal winner played The Desperate Battle.
March, Open to Professionals: 1. Philip Melville, Glasgow Police; 2. Hugh Kennedy, Tiree: 3. Donald MacNeill, Snr; 4. Alex MacDonald, Glasgow Police; 5. John Keir, Cardross. The first prize winner played John MacFadyen. He had good time, good execution and good tone in pipes. The other prize winners in their turn played respectively Mrs MacColl, John MacDonald of Glencoe, Leaving Glen Urquhart, and Abercairney Highlanders. Strathspey and Reel, Professionals: First place was secured by Alex MacDonald for his renderings of Blairdrummond and Thomson’s Dirk. He had good time, good execution and good pipes, J C Johnston won second place with The Shepherd’s Crook and Grey Bob. Third place was taken by the Piper’s Bonnet and John McKechnie for John MacDonald, Glasgow Police. D MacNeill, Glasgow, was fourth for his playing of Balmoral Castle and Caberfeidh, while Angus Morrison for his rendering of The Shepherd’s Crook and Sheepwife was fifth. March, Amateurs, Open: 1. Cameron Cup and Pair of Kilt Hose, Jas Wilson, Grangemouth; 2. Silver Medal, Alex MacNeill, 9th HLI, Glasgow; 3. Silver Medal, Alex Cameron Hutcheson, Dalmuir: 4. Silver Medal, Richard Hepburn, Bonhill; 5. Silver Medal, John Keir, Cardross. The first prize winner’s tune was Lochaber Gathering. Duchess of Edinburgh was second; third was Mrs MacColl; fourth Angus Campbell, and Abercairney Highlanders came in 5th.
Strathspey and Reel, Amateurs, Open: 1. Chisholm Cup, Pipe Chanter, A MacNeill, 9th HLI, Glasgow, his tunes being Islay Ball andSheepwife. George Grant secured second place and a Silver Medal for his renderings of Piper’s Bonnet and John MacKechnie. R Hepburn, Bonhill, played the Shepherd’s Crook and Alex Cameron for a Silver Medal and third place. Fourth place and Silver Medal was won by Peter MacCallum, Kilmartin, with Balmoral Castle and Alex Duff. A Cameron Hutcheson won 5th place and Silver Medal for Cameronian Rant and Lochcarron.
Drumming Competition, Open: 1. Hugh MacHardy, 5/6th A&SH; 2. James McIntosh, 7th A&SH, 3. William Beck, Clan MacRae; 4. Alex Laverty, 7th HLI; 5. George Officer, Glasgow Police.
75 years ago
By this time the competitions were dived into one for professionals and two per year for juveniles and amateurs.
The Professional Competition for 1951 took place on 13th January at the Highlanders Institute, commencing 2.30pm, with 17 playing in the Piobaireachd and 19 in the March and the Strathspey and Reel. The main office bearers were President Hamish MacColl, Secretary Calum Ferguson and Treasurer W Kennedy Stove but at the AGM the following month all three retired. Robert Reid was elected President, Hector MacLean Secretary and Nicol MacCallum Treasurer.
The results of the 1951 competition were, Piobaireachd: 1. Robert Hardie; 2. John Garroway; 3. Donald MacPherson; 4. William Connell; 5. John C Johnston; 6. John Burgess.
March: 1. Donald MacPherson; 2. Peter Bain; 3. John Burgess; 4. Ronald MacCallum; 5. Thomas Pearston. Strathspey and Reel: 1. John Burgess; 2. John Garroway; 3. Donald MacLean; 4. John C Johnston; 5. James MacColl.
The adjudicators were George MacDonald and Archie McPhedran. It was reported that, ‘The Piobaireachd event attracted a larger crowd than usual in the afternoon, but unfortunately nobody could honestly claim that they were in anyway treated to a piping feast. The standard of playing was much below normal standard and was in fact the poorest heard for some time. It may be, of course, that the prevalence of colds and flu was affecting people. Robert Hardie played very well. John Garroway showed a firmness and confidence which was lacking at Oban and Inverness, but there was a lack of sparkle due probably to the flu which claimed him as a victim the next day. Donald MacPherson played well in spite of a heavy cold and William Connell again showed more promise of the greatness to come. John C Johnston gave us MacCrimmon’s Sweetheart in steady fashion but for one slip and John Burgess, well, we expected champagne and he gave us lemonade, with the gas out of it. PM Robert Reid was in the Chair and was accompanied on the platform by PM Hamish MacColl. The general organisation was in the hands of Calum Ferguson and Kennedy Stove and the stewards were John Finlay, A MacKay and Duncan MacFadyen.
The first Amateur Competition of 1951 was on 28th April in the Highlanders’ Institute with a large entry and some fine playing for the judges Robert G Hardie and John C MacLean. In the chair was Inspector John MacLellan, Glasgow Police and he was introduced by PM Hamish MacColl as one of those responsible for the Uist and Barra Association’s very successful professional competition. The prizes went to Piobaireachd: 1. Iain MacFadyen, 2. George Bannerman, 3. Tom Stewart, 4. Angus Campbell, 5. John Graham. Jigs: 1. Tom Stewart, 2. Angus Campbell, 3. Norman Gillies, 4. Robert Tasker. Under 16 March: 1. Angus Campbell, 2. Iain MacFadyen, 3. George Pryde, 4. John Graham, 5. Norman Gillies. Under 16 Strathspey and Reel: 1. John Graham, 2. George Pryde, 3. Iain MacFadyen, 4. Norman Gillies, 5. Kenneth MacDonald. Best dressed and most correct deportment: amateur events: Angus Campbell; Juvenile events: Kenneth MacDonald. Special mention was made by the chairman of the achievement of young Iain MacFadyen who created what must be a record by being the fourth member of his family to win the MacDougall Gillies Trophy.
The autumn amateur competition on 20th October had a large entry of 21 in the piobaireachd and 40 in the light music. Committee members were on stewarding duty and Craigie Calder and Willie Connell looked after the tuning. After a 2pm start and only a half hour break for tea the competition was still going on at 11.30pm. As there were still 12 to play in the slow march the judges Donald MacPherson and Peter Bain volunteered to continue the event on the following Saturday, when the event resumed with a large audience and founder member Willie MacLean on the platform. Results were, Piobaireachd: 1. Duncan MacFadyen, 2. John Graham, 3. Iain MacFadyen, 4. Arthur Gillies. March: 1. David Hutton, 2. J Aharra, 3. H Gillies, 4. Iain MacFadyen, 5. John Graham. Strathspey and Reel: 1. David Hutton, 2. Iain MacFadyen, 3. John Graham, 4. A MacTaggart, 5. Arthur Gillies. Slow March: 1. A MacTaggart, 2. T McAllister, 3. Iain MacFadyen, 4. J Pryde.
On 27th October 1951 the Falkirk Herald reported that ‘At the amateur competition arranged by the Scottish Pipers’ Association in Glasgow on Saturday, two members of the Muirhead’s Pipe Band had outstanding successes. Piper David Hutton was awarded first prize, the Cameron Cup and a silver medal for piping marches and in the same competition John Graham was third. For piping reels and strathspeys Hutton was again first, winning the Chisholm Cup and a special prize presented by Messrs R G Lawrie, makers of pipe band equipment. In the same competition Graham was fifth and was awarded a silver medal. Graham was second in the pibroch competition. Altogether 38 pipers took part.’
50 years ago
In 1976 the main office bearers were President Angus J MacLellan, Secretary Flora MacNeill and Treasurer Dolina MacKay. The 50th Annual Professional Competition was held on 10th April 1976 at the SPBA Hall. As this was the golden anniversary it was appropriate that it be suitably celebrated so there were several changes to the previous arrangements.
For the first time in its history the competition had sponsorship so the prize money was considerably in excess of previous years. The sponsors were Matthew Gloag and Son Ltd of Perth, makers of the Famous Grouse whisky, who gave £250 and a new trophy. A new event, a march, strathspey and reel for former winners was introduced and the ordinary march and strathspey and reel events were now confined to those who had not won them previously. The new Grouse Whisky trophy was awarded to the overall winner in the two major events and the former overall prize, the Duncan MacFadyen Memorial Trophy would now go to the overall winner in the confined march and strathspey and reel events. Another new trophy, The Eachan CaimbeulChallenge Trophy, was given by committee member Nancy Campbell for the Former Winners’ event. Nancy also gave five tartan table covers which were used on the judges’ tables. This trophy is still in use but the top half has been lost.
In the piobaireachd event there were a great many competitors of varying ability and experience. In his report in the Piping Times Seumas MacNeill wrote ‘It is rather surprising that the SPA which has been a trail-blazer in many aspects of piping competitions, has not decided to take the obvious step of grading competitors.’
The judges for the piobaireachd were PM Donald MacLeod and Sandy MacPherson. There were 19 entries for the confined march, and the strathspey and reel, and eight for the former winners. The light music events were judged by Alfred Morrison and Dr Leslie M Craig.
The first winner of the new Former Winners MSR was John D Burgess. The other places went to 2. Iain MacFadyen; 3. Angus MacLellan; 4. Arthur Gillies. The other results were, Piobaireachd: 1. Jimmy McIntosh; 2. Kenneth MacLean; 3. Angus MacLellan; 4. John Burgess; 5. John Wilson. John D Burgess won the Grouse Trophy. March: 1. Angus MacLellan; 2. Tom Speirs; 3. Arthur Gillies; 4. John Wilson. Strathspey and Reel: 1. Arthur Gillies; 2. Iain MacFadyen; 3. Murray Henderson; 4. John Wilson.
The Spring Amateur competition would have a number of new events to cater for different age groups and standards. Before this the Piobaireachd event had been open to all Amateur members of the Association, the March and the Strathspey and Reel had been confined to boys and girls who had not attained 16 years of age and the Slow March had been confined to amateurs and juveniles who had never won a prize in an open competition. From 1976 onwards there would be Grade A and B piobaireachd events, a march, strathspey and reel for A grade pipers and separate march and strathspey and reel events for B grade and those aged under 16, plus a slow march event open to all.
The 1976 Spring Amateur competition was on 24th April. Under the new grading system the results were A grade Piobaireachd: 1. Iain Plunkett; 2. Colin MacLellan; 3. Wilson Brown; 4. Leslie Watson. All these boys went on to adult success in solos or bands. A MSR: 1. Colin MacLellan; 2. Elaine Marnoch; 3. Donald MacBride; 4. Paul Hutchison. B Piobaireachd: 1. Kenneth MacBride; 2. Neil Johnstone; 3. Douglas MacBride; 4. Robin Grass. A new trophy for the B Grade Piobaireachd, the Donald MacLellan Trophy, had been given by the President’s mother in memory of her late husband. Under 16 March: 1. Laura Stewart; 2. Kenneth MacBride; 3. Robin Grass; 4. Fraser Martin; 5. Gary Thomson. Under 16 Strathspey and Reel: 1. Gary Thomson; 2. Kenneth MacBride; 3. Douglas MacBride; 4. Wilson Brown; 5. Fraser Martin. Open Slow March: 1. Steven Young; 2. Colin MacLellan; 3. Iain Plunkett; 4. Wilson Brown; 5. Elaine Marnoch. Dress and Deportment: Calum Watson. The judges were, for A events Hugh MacCallum, and for B events Andrew Wright.
At the October competitions all events were confined to amateurs and juveniles who had never won a prize in an open competition. Although no age limit was specified, it had been the case for many years that no piper above juvenile age had entered either the April or October competitions.
The Autumn Amateur Competition took place on 30th October in the SPBA Hall. This too had sponsorship, the sponsors being the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band who kindly put up the cash to purchase book prizes for the four events. The piobaireachd was judged by John Wilson of the Police Pipe Band and Dugald MacNeill of the College of Piping. The two judges for the march and the strathspey and reel, Murdo MacDonald and Graham Richardson, also came from the Police band and all four joined forces in the evening to judge the jig. Thirty-four competitors, both boys and girls ranging in age from 13 to 17, came from all over Scotland plus one competitor from California, to give a very full day of piping. The Chairman, Eddie Swindle, praised the competitors for their enthusiasm and standard of playing, and also their tutors and parents for their support. He thanked the Police for their generosity in sponsoring the competition, another instance of their community involvement. Drum Major George Seymour came along to present the prizes and before doing so gave a brief talk on the Police Force as a career and invited any of those interested to come along and have a chat. Publicity material about the Police Cadet scheme, the scope of jobs in the force and pennants were distributed to the competitors. The final vote of thanks was given by PM Hamish MacColl MM.
Iain Plunkett was the overall winner and he went on to a career in the Police. He played with the Police Band and was Pipe Major from 1997 to 2001. The prize winners were Piobaireachd: 1. Iain Plunkett; 2. Steven Young; 3. Catherine MacInnes; 4. Neil Johnstone. March: 1. Iain Plunkett; 2. Gordon Smith; 3. Neil Johnstone; 4. Logan Tannock; 5. Gary Thomson. Strathspey and Reel: 1. Fritz Hoffman from California; 2. Iain Plunkett; 3. Neil Johnstone; 4. Logan Tannock; 5. Gary Thomson. Jig: 1. Brian Hutcheson; 2. Iain Plunkett; 3. Logan Tannock; 4. Steven Young; 5. Stewart Gaudin. 24 played in the Piobaireachd, 35 in the March and Strathspey and Reel and 22 in the Jig.
25 years ago
The Professional Competition on 24th March 2001 was held at the Glasgow Academy and had 60 competitors. The President at this time was Jeannie Campbell and the Treasurer was Tom Dingwall. The position of secretary was vacant. With such a large entry four halls were in use at the same time so eight judges were required. The CPA made their usual donation of £150.
Six tunes were to be submitted in the A Grade Piobaireachd, four in the B Grade and two in the C Grade. The B Grade Piobaireachd was split into two heats and four players from each went forward to a final. There were two judges for each heat and one from each pair judged the final in the afternoon while the other two judged the C Grade Piobaireachd. There were nine entries for the C Grade and in addition to the trophy and money prizes the winner received a course of instruction at the College of Piping. The judges were Donald MacPherson, Angus MacLellan, Tom Speirs, Jim Hood, James Young, John Wilson, Ian McLellan and James MacLean.
Prize winners were, A Piobaireachd: 1. William McCallum; 2. Colin MacLellan; 3. Greg Wilson; 4. Roddy MacLeod. B Piobaireachd: 1. George Sharp; 2. Niall Stewart; 3. Brendon Eade; 4. James MacPhee. C Piobaireachd: 1. Quentin Meunier; 2. Willie McIntyre; 3. Meleana Eade. A March: 1. Peter Hunt; 2. James MacPhee; 3. Niall Stewart. A Strathspey and Reel: 1. Niall Stewart; 2. Brendon Eade; 3. Robert Watt. B March: 1. Lisa Morrison; 2. Gordon McCready; 3. William Geddes; 4. James Beaumont. B Strathspey and Reel: 1. Gordon McCready; 2. Lisa Morrison; 3. William Geddes; 4. James Beaumont.
Former Winners MSR: 1. Gordon Walker; 2. Roddy MacLeod; 3. William McCallum.
Jean MacGregor and Helen Ross ran the tea room and committee member Gordon Walker had volunteered to take charge of hospitality.
By this time only one juvenile competition was held each year, usually in the autumn. The RSPBA Hall was not available for the competition in 2001. The Glasgow Academy was not available during November either but it was available for 15th December but without the use of the Cargill Hall although the Crush Hall could be used instead. So one event was held in the Crush Hall and the other in the school dining room. This was a large room with a dais for the top table and when this was moved it made a suitable stage. It was far enough away from the kitchen to prevent disturbance and the audience could enjoy their cups of tea while listening to the piping. Helen Ross and Jean MacGregor were not available to run the tea room so this duty was taken on by the President and Rona Macdonald. At the RSPBA Hall the tea bar was at the back of the hall so everyone was used to this. Entries were greatly increased from the previous year with 33 entries for the B Grade and 14 for the A Grade. The increase in the B Grade was partly due to Colin MacLellan entering 11 of his pupils from the Edinburgh Academy. Colin was accompanied by Rob Cowie from the Edinburgh Academy and both were invited to join the committee and judges for lunch. The judges were Angus MacLellan, James MacLean, Stuart Shedden and Robert Wallace. Prize winners in the B Grade were, Piobaireachd: 1. Kevin McNulty; 2. Alexander Hope; 3. Ben Duncan; 4. Danielle Wishart. March: 1. Dean Cartwright; 2. Ben Duncan; 3. Kevin McNulty; 4. Catriona McNeil. Strathspey and Reel: 1. Catriona McNeil; 2. Alexander Hope; 3. Mairi Ward; 4. Ben Duncan. The overall trophy for B Grade went to Ben Duncan. In the A Grade the prize winners were Piobaireachd: 1. Finlay Johnston; 2. Andrew Carlisle; 3. Gavin Stewart; 4. Scott McKillop. March: 1. Finlay Johnston; 2. Angus Nicolson; 3. Callum Beaumont; 4. Cameron Drummond. Strathspey and Reel: 1. Finlay Johnston; 2. Scott McKillop; 3. Callum Beaumont; 4. Lynsey McNicholl. Jig: 1. Andrew Carlisle; 2. Lynsey McNicholl; 3. Finlay Johnston; 4. Angus Nicolson. Finlay Johnston was the overall A Grade winner.
