Whisky flowing, pipes wailing and dogs running for cover with online gathering

Whisky is on the menu this week – as is tartan – as we celebrate “At Home” with the Glasgow Highland Club.

This weekend’s party is a welcome addition to lockdown days, even if it is far from the normal Scottish affair.

The last time we all met was at a gathering in a Birnham hotel. On this occasion we greet each other online – courtesy of Zoom.

It is an interesting way to do things.

And it starts with a live rendition of The Glendaruel Highlanders, a jaunty tune that gets everyone in the mood.

A video of country dancing follows, watching enthusiasts expertly make short and expert work of favourites like the Duke of Perth and Brown’s Reel.

Then the night really takes off. We all have five different malts before us. Some are peaty, some are rooty. And one comes with a hint of danger.

The Glenallachie has an alcohol strength of more than 50%. By now the evening is very jolly indeed.

Especially as far as the chief is concerned – because I do not drink whisky and the MacGregor gets my share too.

The Glasgow Highland Club is a formidable organisation. Formed in 1882 by a local insurance agent, its aim was the preservation of the Highland garb.

These days the scope goes much wider. Members hold kilted dinners and balls; organise trips to clan lands and encourage the dancing of reels.

They put on Highland lectures and, importantly, they promote the playing of the pipes.

Being a bagpiper must healthy occupation.

Over the last 140 years there have been just five Glasgow club pipers.

So that’s going on for 30 years per piper. Perhaps not so healthy if you throw in the whisky, but who’s counting…?

Suffice to say, it is a great night. And if you are wondering why we are lucky enough to be a part of it, it is because the MacGregor is the club chief.

Of course, not be

aeveryone warms to the wail of the pipes. Yes, whisper it, there are some of these strange people around.

Then there is also the odd animal that finds a bagpipe tune a little scary.

One year at the Lochearnhead games, the biggest MacNaughties nearly jumped the fence when one musician started warming up next to us.

Poor Barra the spaniel, what a fright he got.

How times change. There we are, in the sitting room, the club’s piper in full swing. And this time Barra does not bat an eyelid. Then, he is now stone deaf.

It is a different matter when it comes to the terrier. I am not sure if they have pipe bands in Norfolk, and little Rummie runs for the hills.

Looking rather startled by the skirl is Delilah the Chow Chow. Then she is of Chinese extraction and I am not sure they have too many pipe bands over there either.

Or maybe they do. Because where Glasgow goes, I am sure that others follow.

Saturday, March 13, 2021 | 3