THE MID ARGYLL COLLECTION IS LAUNCHED

Friday March 19^th saw the launch at the Cairnbaan Hotel of The Mid Argyll Collection, an unique collection of Highland Pipe music from Mid Argyll compiled by Rod Buchanan. Published by the Mid Argyll Pipe Band, with foreword by Stuart Liddell, the publication is a major addition to this innovative and forward thinking Pipe Band’s catalogue of achievements and a landmark in its 83 year history.

The launch of the Mid Argyll Collection got under way in style with an address by Robin Malcolm followed by a rousing set of tunes on Highland Pipes played by Rod Buchanan. Rod has spent the past 10 years researching and compiling the collection and his opening selection of tunes perfectly set the tone for an evening of celebration, as did the informative and entertaining introductions throughout the evening by Bill Halliday.

The programme continued with a live showcase performance of a number of titles from the book by some past and present members of Mid Argyll Pipe Band on small pipes, accompanied on guitar by John Saich, Creative Director of Wild Biscuit Music. Tony Higgins and Colin Brown were followed by Eoghan Anderson (who also later gave a poignant rendition of The Boys of Loch Na Corra on Highland Pipes), David Provan, and tenor drummers Ashleigh Kilgour and Bethan Phillips. A warm message of congratulations was sent from the renowned Gaelic Broadcaster and supporter of the Mid Argyll Pipe Band, Mary Ann Turner: “It's wonderful to see such energy and initiative from a group at the heart of their community. More power to your elbows, and fingers and cheeks and lungs!!”

The launch concert was rounded off by special guest Duncan McCrone, Glasgow singer songwriter and composer of the music for the well known lyric Always Argyll. Duncan’s family was originally from Kilberry and he was particularly honored to be part of this historical event in Mid Argyll.

Masters of Scottish dance Ceilidh Minogue then kept the floor filled with their hi-energy ceilidh swing till midnight, with fiddler Gavin Marwick, accordionist Gregor Lowrey,  Alastair Morrow on drums and Bob Turner on piano all on characteristically flying form.

The Mid Argyll Collection contains both well known and more recently written tunes by composers from Mid Argyll, from Doctor MacPhail’s Reel to new titles including Somerled’s Legacy, One Too Many, Golowan and Cheryl’s Wedding. The Mid Argyll Collection contains several compositions by current or former members of Mid Argyll Pipe Band (Rod Buchanan, Tony Higgins, Colin Brown and Geordie Hunter) some of which also feature on the Band’s CD release, Blackwood & Hickory with guest musicians Brian McAlpine of Session A9 and James Mackintosh of Shooglenifty.

With the publication of The Mid Argyll Collection, the Band continues its commitment to developing the skills of a new generation of pipers in Mid Argyll and promoting its Piping Heritage.