Back Home and Auld Acquaintance

Well pleased to be back in auld Scotia now that spring is beginning to spring. Straight to work of course and no time for hanging about. CoP Radio should be on air any hour now - see the blurb on the CoP Radio button for more info. PT for May well underway. All reports from Carbisdale v positive. Easter School going well under Joe's direction with Stuart Cassells' help. CoP Shop all intact and busy with Gary and Willie at the helm.
                One of our instructors at Carbisdale, Craig Munro of Wallace Bagpipes, tells me he is heading for Western Australia in a few weeks for a workshop, a recital and a spot of judging. Enjoy the trip Craig.
                Bumped into an old Muirheads pal this afternoon. Stuart Brown (above right) left the band in 1975. I hadn't seen him for 34 years. I had my Jimi Hendrix hairdo then. He only recognised me from photographs in the PT. Stuart was a very fine piper and a real stalwart of the band in the early 70s. He was taught by Jimmy Buist one time pipe major of the Kelty and Blairadam band. A genial and knowledgeable man Jimmy and an excellent pipe major. He did huge work for piping in Fife. I first met him on one of our trips to Lorient when Eddie McGuire, the flautist in the Whistlebinkies, composed a tune for him and the band 'The Kelty Pipers'. Good tune too. From Jimmy, Stuart graduated to Peter Snadden's 153TA band and won many a contest with them before moving to Muirheads. Bob Hardie had a real soft spot for him, impressed I am certain by both his playing ability and quiet, dignified demeanour. Complete contrast to the loud mouth travelling show that used to come through to Grangemouth from the west for practices. After leaving the band Stuart told me he went back to the 153 but couldn't settle and finally gave up playing and sold his pipes - something he now regrets. However Stuart has bought a set of smallpipes from Blue MacMurchie and is getting the fingers going again. Whilst in the College he met Dugald MacNeill and I suggested that as he lives in Edinburgh he might like to go along to Dugald's class which he has run for 40 years in the capital. It is now held every Monday in the RSPS Rooms and every second Tuesday there is a 'Piobaireachd for Pleasure' night. Everyone plays a tune irrespective of ability. Piping is such a communal business it is always a pleasure when you have company around. Plugging away in a backroom playing to that ornament you've always hated with a only once a fortnight hour with an instructor is not a lot of fun. Bands, College classes or clubs are the way to go. Great to see you again Stuart.

            Before I go, apologies for the technical hitch that has prevented Derek Boyce's winning tune mentioned in this month's PT being heard on PT Extra. Hope to put that right today.