OT: 4 August 1923 – Lochgorm “Piobaireachd Playing at Cowal Gathering”

The Oban Times, 4 August 1923

Piobaireachd Playing at Cowal Gathering

Buddon Camp, July 23, 1923

Sir,–”Canadian Scot’s” letter in your issue of 21st July is very good, but in his list of the famous piobaireachd teachers he has omitted the name of J. MacDougall Gillies, Glasgow. What Mr. Gillies does not know as to the correct setting of our ancient pipe music is not worth knowing. The knowledge was handed down to him direct from the Camerons, the famous Donald Cameron being another of the same school as John MacKenzie, Govan (Ian Mhor). Pipe-Major Wm. Gray, Glasgow Police Pipe Band, is an excellent player of Ceol Mhor and also of Ceol Bheg and possesses most of the different settings of each.

We have to thank Dr. Bannatyne for bringing to light [illegible] beautiful pieces which had been neglected, and it is hoped that some day he will give us a few more. His knowledge is sound and good. Another great name in the piping world is that of John McColl, late of Oban, who was taught by Pipe-Major Ronald Mackenzie, a pupil of John Ban Mackenzie, the well-known Piobair Bhan, the foremost player in his day. J . McColl is a great composer of Ceol Bheg, and at many Highland gatherings his marches are played. The young “MacCrimmons” who will play at the Cowal Gathering have been trained by the best of teachers, and should give a good account of themselves. –I am, etc.,

Lochgorm