OT: 5 January 1901 – Dr. Keith N. MacDonald “Puirt-A-Beul ‘Mouth-tunes,’ or ‘Songs for Dancing.’ [Mus]

The Oban Times January 5, 1901

Puirt-A-Beul

“Mouth-tunes,” or “Songs for Dancing.”

By Dr. Keith N. MacDonald

Another excellent old reel is, “Théid mi null thar a’ Bheinn.” It is one of those that had almost died out. It was a great faourite with the late Iain Ruadh Kennedy, of Sleat, Skye, which he played after “Miss Lyle.” It is only to be found in the “Skye Collection of Reels.”

And the following reel:

“Co th’ann ach Anna mo nighean,” or, “Dinna think bonnie lassie,” is an excellent strathspey, and well known all over the country.  It makes a very sprightly dance tune though usually sung as an ordinary song.”

[The following is the editor’s re-working of the above tune as it is sung by the MacDonald sisters.]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=undMEESEt4I

“Gu cuir nan Gobhar as a’ chreig,” is a very old pipe tune; can be played as a strathspey or reel.

OT: 5 January 1901 – [Unsigned] “Bagpipe and Dancing Competitions at Campbeltown”

The Oban Times, January 5, 1901

Bagpipe and Dancing Competitions at Campbeltown

A bagpipe and Highland dancing competition was held in the Victoria Hall, Campbeltown, on Christmas night, and was very largely attended. Councillor Ross presided, and was supported by Councillor MacWilliam. The competitions evoked the greatest enthusiasm, and were carried through with praiseworthy decorum and with success. There was a large entry for each event, and all the pipers and dancers gave a highly creditable exhibition. The judges were–Pipe playing, Mr. Wm. Robb, ex-Pipe-Major of the 93rd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; Dancing, Mr. D. Cameron, both of Glasgow. The arrangements were in the hands of the following capable committee– Sgt.– Instructor Scott (secretary), and Messrs John MacLean, Neil Campbell, Robert Crawford, and D. MacCallum.

The prize-winners were;–Pipe Playing–March–1, H. MacDonald, Stark;2, J. MacPhail; 3, J. McMillan. Strathspey and Reel–1, H. MacDonald, Stark; 2, J. MacPhail; 3, J. Patereson. Dancing–Highland Fling–1, N. L. MacLardy; 2, D. A. Nicholson; 3, Miss L. MacMimney. Highland Fling (boys under 14 years of age)–1, D. Brown; 2, A. Galbraith; 3, N. Campbell. Sword Dance–1, Miss MacMimney; 2, A. Galbraith; 3, H. MacCallum. Seann Triubhas– 1, D. A. Nicholson; 2, Miss MacMinney; 3, A. Girvan. Scotch Reel–1, N. L. MacLardy; 2, Miss MacMimney; 3, D. A. Nicholson.

OT: 5 January 1901 – “‘Se Crìoch Gach Comunn Dealachadh” Iain MacCalum

Sir, –Correspondents of the “Oban Times” have frequently complained that there was no proper Gaelic Parting Song, which could be sung on any occasion, like “Auld Lang Syne.” The accompanying song was composed by Donald Mackechnie, Edinburgh, and appeared in the “Oban Times” many years ago. It appears to me to be the most suitable for the purpose, and I suppose the reason why it was not adopted at once was that it had part of the refrain and was set to the melody of “Fionnairidh.” I have composed the accompanying melody, and got it harmonized for the purpose of bringing the song to the popular notice, and will be pleased if you can find it a place in the “Oban Times.” –I am, etc.,

Iain MacCalum