1912-1914 By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1912 the events were the same as in the previous year and the Gathering began on September 10, a holiday throughout Argyll as usual, with sports on the Gathering field at Soroba Road. The day was reported to be beautifully fine, though somewhat cool. A […]
By Barry W. Shears There have been several informative books and articles written since the end of the Great War (An Cogadh Mòr) including The Piper in Peace and War (Malcolm, 1927); The Pipes of War (Seton and Grant, 1920); and more recently, Piper Casualties of the Great War, 1914-1918 […]
1909-1911 By Jeannie Campbell In 1909 the weather is described as ‘charming’. The report goes on, “The presence in the bay of HMS Essex and HMS Victorious lent an added interest to the Gathering, detachments of the blue jackets and marines taking an active part in the athletic sports.” The […]
The subject of this short article is a common one amongst pipers: pipe band drumming. Many pipers – and some drummers – feel that pipe bands have now become far too percussion oriented and driven, to the point that the fundamentals of the Great Highland Bagpipe – it is pentatonic, […]
1906-1908 By Jeannie Campbell After the resignations of the previous years, the remaining members continued the work of the Piobaireachd Society and produced a second book of six tunes in 1906. The six tunes in the book were set for the 1906 competitions and the rule was stated that, “No […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE The “Piobaireachd Society of Scotland” gave notice in the autumn of 1903 that it would hold a competition at the 1904 Argyllshire Gathering at which it would award a total of £30 in prizes. The first prize shall be £20 and a Gold Medal, second prize […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1899, the Argyllshire Gathering placed an advert in the Oban Times of August 26. Alex Shairp, the Gathering’s secretary, listed all the piping events (and prize money): 1. Strathspeys and Reels (Champions), Champion’s Prize. Gold Medal and £3.2. Piobaireachd. Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE The Argyllshire Gathering of 1891 was spoiled by the weather. Rain fell continuously and in torrents, completely drenching everybody who was out of doors and converting the public park at Mossfield into a veritable quagmire. Many of those who would normally attend stayed away including competitors. […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1884 there was some doubt as to whether the Gathering would be held. The Oban Times of August 23 carried a letter from ‘Gillie Calum’ saying he had been watching the columns for the announcement of the Games – “so far nothing, are they to […]
By Jeannie Campbell MBE In 1876 the Argyllshire Gathering games were held a day earlier than usual, on the Wednesday, September 13, with the regatta all day on the Thursday. The Lorn Ossianic Games, always previously held on Wednesday moved back to Tuesday. Its rules for the piping competitions stated: […]
