Not sure

Is that really our pipe major on the bottom left? I don't believe it. Could someone confirm.

City of Elizabeth on TV

In my endeavour to bring articles to the blog, I found this at home.
I have tried to keep it as small as possible, I can't remember
what year it was, but it was a fine sunny day.
The footage appeared on the ABC

AndyT

Well here's a quick peek at the two levels of dress I am accustomed to in my lifestyle in far north Queensland.

The first is a glimpse of the kids fishing on Cape Pallarenda just on the northern beaches of Townsville looking south-east back towards town, Castle Hill in the background. Piping link? Well it's a 'craggy' old thing, looks as if parts of it have 'tumbled-down' over the years - and it's a 'Castle' of course!!! Besides, the photo gives a nice idea of how we spend some of our downtime up here. Incidentally, this picture was taken about fifteen minute's drive from our house in Kirwan.

The second is about as formal as it gets......up this far north at least. It's a picture of me post ANZAC Day service, 2008 in Cooktown (or for Willie, Cooktoon). The uniform (tartan bit at least), hasn't changed much at all as you'll notice, even the Glengarry has the same badge. The day was typically splendid for this part of the world and I was lucky to have been allowed to play Floo'rs O' The Forest for over twenty minutes in 32 degree temperatures for the wreathlaying! Was a tad thirsty after that I can tell you. Fortunately the locals were very grateful for the efforts and were all too ready to assist me replenishing my fluids and electrolytes at little (read zero) cost to myself! The only thing that could be called a downside, and it wasn't at all as I did it back there frequently, was the amount of requests for various tunes back at the RSL - I didn't really stop all afternoon, aye, t'was braw! There was the odd bit of SMS correspondence between Andy Tatty and Willie Tatty and myself too throughout the day and that was almost like being there. There's a few more pictures from the day but I have those on my phone and I'm having trouble getting them downloaded, so perhaps another day.

Anyway, as I say, my first effort and I'll try again with any more that may be of interest. Stay safe and keep up the great work, keep contributing to this blog, it's an excellent innovation and is getting to be huge! Cheers all from the Townsville Clan!

O'er the Bows to Ballindalloch

This is a title that has always troubled me a bit.

Firstly Ballindalloch is located in inland Banffshire, a long way from the coast, so the idea of "bows" in terms of a boat is a bit peculiar. Even if it was referring to a boat, then why "bows" in the plural? That would be odd also.

I have often wondered whether the real title might have been "O'er the Howes to Ballindalloch" and over time, as in typical Chinese Whispers style, it has lapsed into the title we know. "Howes" in the Scottish dialect means valleys or glens, which sounds more reasonable to me.

Anyway, there is no doubt at all that "Bows" will remain in the title forever more - but it is an enigma. And I must say that the intrigue takes nothing away from the brilliant musicality of this strathspey.

The picture above shows beautiful Ballindalloch Castle in all its glory. And I can add that it has been in the hands of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. Not a bad record.


Old Angus

Thanks for Tartan Day

Received from David Porteous of the Royal Caledonian Society of SA today: Greetings to each of you and your bands.   Thank you so very much to each of you.  Please also pass on my personal most sincere thanks to all the members of your respective bands for their sterling efforts at the Tartan Day March.  Clearly, the crowd loves to hear the massed bands and the counter-marching at the end was a wonderful climax.    We seem to have a problem each year with the paucity of Highland Dancers due to a clash on the last Saturday in June with their annual Highland Dancing Competition held on the same date.  Accordingly, I propose to hold the Tartan Day March in future on the first Saturday in July rather than on the Saturday nearest 1 July as in the past, so please mark this in your Band activity diaries.  In other words in 2009 the Tartan Day March will be held on Saturday 4 July.   Following the success of the counter-marching this year, I would like to try a wee bit of formation marching.  I will put this to our Band Management Committee to see what we can come up with.   Once again very many thanks to one and all.

Another Interesting Old Photo

Following on with the theme of old photos, here is one I downloaded a few years back. The caption was:

"My local instructor Ken MacLeod (on far right of photo) was PM of the Lovat Scouts TA Pipe Band in the early 1950's.  Here is a photo of him on a course (not the PM's course though) at the Army School of Piping being taught by Captain John Maclellan."

It's interesting that in regard to uniform you read so much about what must be worn with what etc. Especially sporrans (day sporrans, dress, horsehair etc.). Look at what this group of experienced pipers are wearing (everything imaginable).

It would be interesting to know all the names and affiliations of those present.

- Peter

" Piping Legends "

I found this great picture, while looking on the net.
P/M Willie Ross
P/M G S McLennan
P/M John McDonald
I'm hoping both Angus's can fill us all in with some of their legendary tunes, and inform our younger Pipers who they are.

Andy T

a few more Tartan Day Photos

Fresh Talent

This is how to finger a healthy "C" .....

James, our precocious nine year old learner, is making excellent progress, no doubt being spurred on by his Mum.

We could use a few more like him.

Old Angus

Ancient History

My very first pipe band. Just look for the best-looking youngster in the picture and you will have found me !

This was a boys band in Aberdeen in 1946 - just after the end of World War II. My brother Douglas had been a drummer in the band, but was killed during the war in a shooting accident on the rifle range, aged 15 years.

Sadly, most of the players have passed on, but I still keep in regular touch with one of them by Email.

Incidentally, more than a few of the tunes and settings currently in our repertoire have their origins in this group !

Old Angus