Quick March

Several weeks ago, we had a wonderful guest stay over from Williamsburg Scottish Festival, for a week worth of touring and speaking to various groups, none other than my good friend, Sir David Ross.

David is a well renowned author, historian and adviser/consultant to television history documentaries in Scotland other places in Europe. His first stop was the last Thursday, speaking to the Scottish Society of Richmond. The evening began with the SALPD parading in playing a few sets, and then we caught up on some old business with David. Due to illness that prevented his arrival last year at another venue, he was presented that night with the Order of the Cross & Thistle. In true fashion, we all then went through the buffet line, and David then gave his brilliant presentation to hungry ears. David is one the most brilliant orators one can listen too, and he’s a TRUE SCOT with his uncanny sense of humor and his prowess for not holding back the truth from a patriot’s point of view. I was delighted when he let me know that a certain “friend” we have across the pond, is doing well in eastern europe.

Monday morning, I picked David up and we made our way to Appomattox Courthouse. David, who’s well reknowned for his books about Scottish history and the character who shaped it, also has an avid interest in what we “True Virginians” often refer to as “The War of Northern Aggression”, more politically correctly known as the Civil War. Many of the Scot feels a common bond with the South and events that happened here, nearly 150 years ago.

Being a lover of history myself, I was in total intellectual bliss listening to David on the 92 mile drive from Richmond. His in depth research in all matters pertaining to his writings, come to life, and makes him the most splendid orator, as well as a writer.

David amazed me with a CD he had purchased from the Museum of the Confederacy narrated by Mark Ramsey and concluded by Colonel JEB Stuart the IV. The CD had actual audio recordings put to record disc from the early 20th century of several Confederate Veterans enunciating the real Rebel Yell.

Even many a Civil War enthusiast or re-enactor today probably has no clue what the Rebel Yell actually sounded like, but back in Scotland, many still know it all too well. For it is the same yell of the Highlanders. It is the Highland Yell. A guttural frenzied yelp of six notes broken in to two sets of three. Each note raising in pitch higher than the previous. The following link which I found on youtube.com can better give you an idea of what it sounded like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssLMroT2euQ

As David and I drove, we discussed my fathers ancestors who were here during the war, and his photo is shown here, with his wife Louisa. His name was John Wesley Batten, Corporal, 12 VA Cavalry, Company C. He joined in 1862 and was there on the saddest day for the Confederacy, on April 9th, 1865.

David and I arrived first at General Lee’s last Headquarters, which was situated in a wood line just north of the Appomattox River. We walked in the overcast mist of the day into the wooded area. David paused for a good 30 minutes, just taking it all in. He tried to envision as to what had to be going through not just Lee’s mind, but all his command as they had gathered about him that day when he announced that the cause had been lost, and no choice, but to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia to the Union had to be done that day, before annihilation would have taken place.

We then stopped off at the Appomattox River. There we took time to take a photo shot of David with a Confederate Cannon, before we moved on to the MacLean House. Arriving at the MacLean House, David, again took it all in. With reverence, his towering figure bent slightly to step into the door and he stood there, staring at the desk where General Lee signed the terms of agreement to General Grant. After stepping out of the building, we discussed just what emotions Lee had to been mustering to retain in his body as he signed those papers. From there, we moved on to the Museum area and on to the remaining buildings in the old village compound that had been restored for public viewing.

David at Lee's last Headquarters

David Ross at the Appomattox Bridge, AppomatoxDescription of one of the flags from AppomattoxThe Cross of St. Andrew

Tuesday night, Dave Irvin picked David Ross up and we all went to Latane Camp of the Son’s of Confederate Veterans meeting in Mechanicsville. The SCV were delighted to have David speak and discuss the connections that Scotland shares with the Confederacy. He discussed many aspects and even touched briefly on what he and I had observed the previous day at Appomattox about a more in depth meaning to the “Rebel/Highland Yell”.

Wednesday, David was left in the confident hands of Dave Irvin. They toured the Berkley Plantation. Yesterday, Thursday morning, I picked David up for breakfast and we spent half the day talking about various things in Scotland’s history, and laughed over current happenings both local and abroad. I do hope he writes someday about the possible connections between the Viking Flag LandRavager and the Fairy Flag of the MacLeods. The man is remarkable at just how far he digs into history and leads on information that just blows the lid off modern comprehension, which all too often is over written by the political correction nazi’s of our time.

We parted giving each other gifts. He gave me one of his latest books, titled The Black Douglas, and I gave him a reproduction of my ancestor, Elam Gough’s 1st VA Regt Kepi hat. Elam’s mother, Cassie MacDonald came from Ardamurchan Point in Scotland, and hopefully, David will send me back a picture of himself standing tall and proud on the rocks, wearing the kepi hat. Cassie MacDonald and Elam Gough are also ancestors of Scott & Doug Elder of SALPD.

If you want to feel the Pride of your heritage swell within you, go to David’s web site:

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In my last post I forgot to mention a couple of things. Congratulations are in order for drummer Dave Mylum for his first performance with the band and to Don Raybould for his first event drum majoring. Don’s trip through the band is pretty unique as he started off trying to pipe but hurt his hand and lost some of the mobility in his fingers so was unable to pipe. Not wanting to quit and still contribute he took up the tenor drum. Don has played the tenor drum at a few gigs and done a good job. With Mad Dog ailing a little bit we needed someone to step up and start training and Don volunteered up. Little did he know two weeks and four lessons later he’d be thrown into the fire. The mobility in Don’s fingers is returning and he’s talking about picking the chanter back up although I think Tim’s not going to let him stray too far from the front of the ranks now. Talk about a jack of all trades.

Now we can be known as the Italian pipe band because you have to answer to the Dons. They’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. I’d also like to apologize to Mad Dog for even considering trading him to Coyote Run for their drummer. (It was Geoff however wanted to throw Dave Taylor in to sweeten the deal) On paper it looks like a good trade gruff ex Army guy for pretty and talented drummer, but then who would we have to keep us in line, yell at us, and threaten to kill us? Not to mention the rest of the drummers, with the exception of Betty, would never get any work done again. It’s all in good fun and luckily Mad Dog has an excellent sense of humor. (sort of)

We played for the Scottish Society of Richmond Thursday night and more congratulations are in order for Justin Ingram who marched with us for the first time that night. We played a couple of quick sets for the Society prior to joining them in their taste of Scotland and a lecture from David Ross. You may have seen and heard of Mr. Ross if you’ve ever seen Albanach, as he generally talks about history for a bit prior to introducing them. If you have never seen or heard Mr. Ross you are missing out. He is a noted Scottish author and historian. His books and his lecture are not the dry on this date this happened type of fare. He tells you what happened peppered with stories about the people involved. You almost get a sense of being there through his stories and writings. Mr. Ross is truly a royal ambassador of the highest degree for Scotland and I have no doubt that our ancestors and Scotland herself are smiling knowing he is carrying the torch. After Mr. Ross finished his presentation he convinced Jackie from Albanach to sing us a song. Talk about an evening. Does it get any better than that. Good food, good friends, great history, and great singing all in one spot.

Warning: Society Plug! The above evening is just an example and a reason if you are interested in things Scottish you need to be a member of the Scottish Society of Richmond. For more information and membership applications please see http://richmondscots.org

So now it’s on to a private birthday party and then the Meadow Highland Games and Celtic Festival. (Formerly the Richmond Games) We are looking forward to the games as well as the return of Chris Fox who will be coming back from Syracuse to attend the games and play with us. We will also be unveiling a new look at the games so pay attention and see if you can spot what it is. As always we’d like to thank everyone for their support and efforts in keeping this endeavor up and running. We’ll see you at the games.

Alba Gu Brath!

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OK so I don’t really remember the show but it’s a catchy title and is sort of what I’m getting ready to do as somebody we all know gets another year older this Tuesday, October 6! I have been after him to submit some information about his latest endeavors, but since he’s been too busy to do so here lately, I’m going to do it for him.

Bear in mind that this has nothing to do with the fact that I’m his cousin. He and I both had no clue we were related until after I joined the band and my Aunt in passing mentioned about the big red headed piper who talked about the pipes at the last family reunion and the fact that he marches in the Scotsville July 4th parade. I thought oh crap there is only one big red headed dude in the band. Damn!! : )

I think Tim is an individual that inspires growth from both, within and from without. Some would brand him a giant with an attitude, with his military background and straight forwardness about any subject, but that’s just the way he is. The one thing that you have to agree with whether you like Tim or not is his passion for the pipes, his Celtic heritage and commitment to SALPD are what drive him. How many people can make a living doing what it is they love? Combining his heritage, piping, and experience in business, Tim has become a firestorm in the Celtic Community. Between working with St.Kilda, running his own Highland Wear business, piping, and being an ambassador in the world of things Celtic, it’s apparent he does what he loves most for an actual living. If you hear the buzz going about town that there’s a Piper who plays out at Innsbrook several times a week, guess who… yep Tim MacLeod. Tim, along with Kenny Shumaker perform for the soon to be opening jewelry store, coming this Fall,- MacLaren’s Jewelry, and the Innsbrook Association. It’s already drawn the attention of local radio and TV.

Tim’s most recent idea, which was presented to the officers of the SALPD about expanding the organization into an interactive society appears to be a huge success. By inviting non musicians to become part of us, has brought about much interest and already new members have been “enlisting”. WRVA’s Richard McKann is a bouncing heap of wild energy, and Richard is excited. Everyone at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival complimented what a fine job he done as the MC. Many were shocked and surprised to learn, that though this was his very first Scottish Festival to announce for. Like Tim, Richard McKann is going to be a huge shot in the arm for the Celtic Community!

Tim, along with many others, under Randy Deidrickson did a hell of a job at Rockahock, putting on the Williamsburg Scottish Festival. Tim was down there from Friday morning until Sunday. Not only was he in charge of the SALPD, he and Ralph had their vendor tent set up, and Tim has been appointed as the Official Piper of the Williamsburg Scottish Festival by the Festival Directors. I believe the only time Tim took for himself was to go down and drink a beer with our friends at the GRPD tent before Smashed Bands. I think Tim and Drum Major Don Milligan both, were in shock when they were called out and presented awards of recognition for their “behind the scenes” efforts on behalf of the WSF.

By the way a BIG congratulations to own Sean Scott took 1st place on Practice Chanter. And speaking of awards, what about Chance Bell getting the very same award that bears the names of Burt Mitchell and the late, Gordon Duncan! Man! What an honor! Greater Richmond P&Ds Grade V & IV did splendid jobs. Grade V took 1st and Grade IV took 2nd, but actually tied City of Alexandria. The tribute to Marine CPL Edwards on the field was moving. WSF had actually became aware of her by Tim, when he had piped for her son-in-law’s funeral this summer. Family members of Cpl Edwards said that the 87 year old Marine Veteran had not smiled for over a year since her heart surgery, and when our Pipe Major played the Marine Hymn for her both back during the summer, and later at the festival this weekend, she grinned ear to ear. I personally talked to Mrs. Edwards at one point in the day and she is truly a charming woman who was deeply touched. Albanach even chipped in with a signed poster for her, which tickled her as well.

Some that don’t truly know the man, would accuse him of being too controlling and dominating, while that may be true at times he is much more than that. If it was not for his leadership in inspiring others to succeed, SALPD would not be what it is, nor would much of the Celtic Community for that matter. So here’s to you ye old fart! Here’s to another year more success !

Happy Birthday Pipie.

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September has come and gone and ended on a bit of a disappointment as the First Lady did not show up at the Mt. Vernon event. She sent her apologies and a stand in. If that’s the only disappointment we have we will gladly handle that. First Lady notwithstanding, we are sounding great with the new lower pitch of the MacCallum Chanters and our overall sound is really evolving and with help from GRPD we are really honing things in.

It’s that time of year where the Celtic Festivals draw to a close and we get a little busier. October has the Williamsburg Scottish Festival to start the month (Albanach yea!!!) and the new/old Meadow Highland Games (Formerly the Richmond Highland Games) to end the month. In between those events we have a performance for the Scottish Society of Richmond, a private birthday performance and possibly even a Halloween gig that’s not firmed up yet.  Mixed in amongst all of this are several more Celtic events. These range from the Scottish Society monthly meeting featuring David Ross to the Irish American Society Meeting with a living history interpreter.  There are music gigs as well such as the Richmond Folk Music Festival featuring a couple of Irish musicians to the Blaggards who bring their form of “Stout Irish Rock” to Shenanigans’.  There is even a bagpipe concert featuring Greater Richmond’s very own Chance Bell this month.  There may even be some bagpipes at my brother in law’s band’s (Crashing Reality) CD release party at Cap Ale. (Think AC/DC!) Looks like there is something for everyone this month.

Stand by for some minor changes to the web site and the embrace of some new technology. These should take place at some point in the coming week and we’ll let you know about it once the changes have been made. Go there now and see if you can spot one. salpd We’ll have a recap of Williamsburg next week as well so stay tuned. Also just to look a bit ahead to next month we’ll march in the Urbana Oyster Festival on Nov 7^th, play the Virginia War Memorial on Veteran’s Day and Open for Seven Nations on Nov 13^th. We hope to see everyone at an event and I encourage everyone to get out and go to one of these events and support your local Celtic community.

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