News

NPC launches crowdfunder to digitise its magazines

NPC launches crowdfunder to digitise its magazines

The National Piping Centre (NPC) today launches a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to protect the legacy of its two magazines, the Piping Times and Piping Today. The two-strand project involves the digitisation of the magazines’ archive – a resource that will be free to access online – and the […]

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 8

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 8

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 […]

Donald Drone on pipeline / SFU’s

Donald Drone on pipeline / SFU’s

• Our thanks go once again to the indefatigable Iain Bell for this month’s Donald Drone cartoon strip. Kevin MacLean of Simon Fraser University Pipe Band sent us this video of the Canadian Grade 1 band’s latest virtual recording. The band recently recorded Finlay MacDonald’s composition for his son, Elliot […]

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 7

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 7

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 […]

Snapshots of history surface

Snapshots of history surface

Last August we uploaded to Bagpipe.News a great article on Calum Campbell that had been written by Joe Wilson 13 years ago and published in the July 2008 edition of the Piping Times. As a teenager Calum had enlisted in his father’s old regiment, the Seaforths, before being appointed some […]

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 6

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 6

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 […]

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 5

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 5

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. […]

NPC marks reopening with music

NPC marks reopening with music

The National Piping Centre today opens its doors once again to the public. The reopening comes amid the Scottish Government’s easing of lockdown rules around the country. The reopening of the NPC’s city centre headquarters is limited to its hospitality and retail business. Piping lessons remain online for the time […]

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 4

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 4

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 […]

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 3

The history of the Argyllshire Gathering, part 3

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: […]