Pipers’ Persuasion travelled to Fife to interview Brian Donaldson at his factory, ‘Inveran Bagpipe Makers’.  From an early age he was taught by his father and then Bob Shepherd MBE at the Dysart & Dundonald Pipe Band. Brian joined the Scots Guards and progressed to Pipe Major, 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Throughout, he has won most if … Read more

Currently Bob Worrall is enjoying the freedom of retirement by travelling round the world, judging, lecturing and teaching. Pipers’ Persuasion caught him at last when he came over to adjudicate at Blair Castle this year. There are fruits of decades spent in the hard work of learning, competing and performing. He is the well-known face of … Read more

Pipers’ Persuasion travelled to Pitlochry for the Glenfiddich Piping Championship and met with Balvenie Medal winner and this years’ Bean an Tighe, Rhona Lightfoot. Singer, piper, storyteller and teacher – one of Gaeldom’s great characters is how Scottish Traditional Music describes Rhona. Her wit and humour permeate this interview which we hope brings out some of … Read more

Pipers’ Persuasion has been fortunate in securing an interview with Fred Morrison, whose approach is firmly rooted in the musical tradition of the Hebridean islands of Scotland. However, he constantly pushes the boundaries, creating a fresh new sound that is forever evolving. Fred began taking lessons from his father at the age of nine. His … Read more

Roddy MacLeod MBE is widely accomplished in piping and associated matters. As a soloist, he won his first Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting in 1986, then the Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal in 1988.  As you will hear Roddy has won many prizes with a record number of repeated successes which has built his stature in … Read more

Pipers’ Persuasion was fortunate in securing time from Erwan Roparz when he flew in to Scotland on a brief visit to Kilmarnock and Edinburgh. Erwan and his father before him were the backbone of a movement in Brittany to improve piping in the Bagads. Erwan was Pipe Major of the Bagad Kemper for many years. He also … Read more

Pipers’ Persuasion travelled to the house of Richard Parkes MBE and he was interviewed to complete our visit to Ireland. Richard is synonymous with Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band who took over the mantle from Strathclyde Police Pipe Band and have probably been the most successful competing pipe band over the last two decades. Here in a great … Read more

We continued our journey with Pipers’ Persuasion to Dungannon and met with Sean Faloon who took us back into the history of pipe bands in Ulster – from the original ‘road bands’ to the prize winners of today. A long hard road populated by guys on a mission to improve bands and solo playing in Ireland. … Read more

Jim Warnock is in his nineties and still full of energy as his voice recalls the groundbreaking achievements of his family in moulded chanters, plastic reeds and other reeds. Her has produced many popular products over the decades. Pipers’ Persuasion visited Jim at his home and factory in Ireland to get the story.

Pipers’ Persuasion visited Terry Tully at his house near to Dublin at the start of our mini Ireland tour. Terry has spent all his life steeped in the music of Ireland and listened and learnt from grandfather and parents. This music was expressed on various instruments but predominantly the Highland Bagpipe. He has performed for many years … Read more

On the 10 October, 2002 Bob Shepherd was invested at Buckingham Palace with the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to Piping and Teaching. Bob speaks fondly of his introductions to the Royal Family when they were in Fife and approached his band.  Bob became famous world wide for his informative seminars on … Read more