Arran by instalments

We had been doing a running gag on FaceBook about ‘what did your pipe band do to get ready for whatever’. Well for the Worlds we returned from Arran and lost umpteen pipers, drummers and almost the entire tenor section to gastro-intestinal turmoil and Covid. We should all be fine before the Big Day except Ma McGeachy who I’d imagine they’ve locked in the summer house. I’m getting a wee bit ahead of myself here so lets rewind

Stewarton Bonnets 2022

Stewarton Bonnet Parade is a three-day event that involves the Corsehill Queen and her attendants, street marches, floats and an act of remembrance. It’s a big deal in this small Ayrshire town. If you own a Glengarry bunnet check inside, there is a good chance it was made in Stewarton. Normally boring old Kilbarchan Pipe Band fill the piping slot but this year multi championship winning Kilbarchan Pipe Band rocked up and did the honours.

Lilias Madness

We had known for a long while that our biggest parade of the season was cancelled but there was a determination within the village that we had to mark the day, in a safe manner while being alert and distancing socially.

Wasperry Ripple

Due to ongoing ferry inefficiencies we’d decided to get to Ardrossan harbour early to avoid disappointment. The weather forecast was grim but hopefully clearing later so we had braced ourselves for a cruel crossing with a dispirited march at the other end then damp splashing through the park.

short note ~ long weekend

Friday the 14th had us scooting across county lines to play at the Stewarton Bonnet Guild Parade, Friday is the fancy dress component of the whole week long multi event gala and the brooding clouds and wind chill weren’t stopping anyones fun.

Gracious in defeat

Lilias Day is our annual blooding of the newbies when we introduce our newest and shiniest players to the village, however I’m getting ahead of myself and I’ll rewind a few days to set the stage.

Late Worlds Week

After apologising to James the Hat for traducing his name by association it’s time for a wee report on Piping Live and the influx of pipers and drummers to Glasgow.

Scotland in Miniature

The bus left really early, the ferry to Arran is always busy on Brodick Games day with kilties, wee dancer lassies in hair nets and Crocks™ and the regular round of ramblers, golfers, Canadians, cyclists and chanty wrestlers.

Achi Baba Parade

Just a short note on our outing to Gourock on the 8th of July to support the Argyll Association’s remembrance parade. The weather was threatening but this is usual in Gourock.

The Busy Bees

Friday 15th was the start of a hectic playing week for the band. We were double booked, but Pipey had decided we are a big enough band with experience aplenty so two bands shouldn’t be beyond us.