OT: 7 July 1923 – H.S. Strafford [“Piobaireachd Playing at the Cowal Gathering”]

The Oban Times, 7 July, 1923

[Piobaireachd Playing at the Cowal Gathering]

Rosegarth, Dunoon, 3 July, 1923

Sir,–Dr. Bannatyne’s views are, I believe, based upon a restricted knowledge of the activity presently prevailing amongst the piping fraternity. I have good reason to know there never was a time when the desire to excel in piping existed to the extent as now. Whether the fingers of a youth at 18 or under are as capable as those of older men for the necessary execution for pibroch I am unable to say, but this I know that this competition is already an assured success, inasmuch as the entries already reach well nigh a round dozen. I am gratified with personal letters reaching me approving of the project, and at least one youth from the far north of Sutherland is coming to compete. It will further interest the youthful MacCrimmons to know that next year, by the generosity of a piping enthusiast, a silver-mounted set of pipes will accompany the first prize of a gold medal. –I am, etc.,

H. S. Strafford