English pipes find a home in Lochaber
A set of pipes that was bought more than 60 years ago in London have found a new home with the Lochaber Schools Pipe Band.
The pipes were donated to the students by John MacDonald, who was given them by their previous owner, David Bentley from Warrington Pipe Band.
Mr Bentley and his brother have been keen pipers for most of their lives and the pipes were bought in the 1960s.
While not a piper himself, John MacDonald is a keen country dancer and involved in groups that promote it.
He said: ‘I met David through the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society as we take trips overseas quite regularly. He gave the pipes to me so that I could donate them to the local pipe band.
‘Since everyone in the
Lochaber Pipe Band has their own pipes, I thought it would be best to donate them to the school’s band as very few of them have access to a set.’
Accepting the pipes on behalf of the band was Lochaber instructor Margaret MacMaster who told the Lochaber Times that the pipes could be used by a pupil for practise, performances, exams and competitions.
She said: ‘There are currently 40 pupils receiving piping tuition in Lochaber High School through the Music Tuition Service managed by High Life Highland.
‘A significant proportion are on bagpipes ranging from beginners right through to accomplished performers. In addition to Lochaber High School, there are more than 30 pupils receiving tuition in the local primary schools.’
While the service provides equipment to pupils at reduced costs, donated equipment is always welcome and even instruments of such an advanced age.
Ms MacMaster continued: ‘The age of the pipes is often irrelevant, it is how they have been maintained that is important. A good quality set of pipes that have been forgotten about and left to dry out in someone’s attic for years will often develop cracks once someone starts to play them. In these cases they require a lot of work to bring them up to good playing standard.
‘Fortunately, the set of pipes that was donated has been well looked after and maintained over the years. They will, of course, require a new pipe bag and freshen up before they can be used. I look forward to hearing them being played once I have done this.’
The school band is almost as old as the pipes themselves, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and hopes to mark the milestone with a special event.