I’ll start with the Midloathian Parade first. Talk about a cold gray overcast day. I reminded me of the Mechanicsville Parade last year just not as cold although it seemed like it at certain points. Weather aside it didn’t seem to deter too many people. The parade and festival seemed to have good attendance. We got our assignment of unit 66 but were told to hang on they were going to move us up. Next thing you know we are just about the first thing in the parade behind the color guard and the Grand Marshall. We kept to two main sets Set 2 and STB/Shenandoah. Once done we had the long trek back to the start but that turned out to be a pretty cool trek as the crowd was very appreciative and let us know they enjoyed us, wanted to know where we would play next and shout out their Clan affiliation. We even managed to rack up an award for best marching band. Check us and the other winners out at on the Midlothian Parades Facebook page. On a side note my family and I went to Bush Gardens for Howl O’ Scream later that day. As we were coming after the parade I wore my kilt and just changed my shoes and shirt. Take it from me if you go to Bush Gardens wearing a kilt make sure to remove you sgian dubh or you too could have eight security guards ask you about it.

Now we’ll move on to The Meadow Highland Games and Celtic Festival. (Formerly the Richmond Games) If you didn’t make it out there or didn’t make it to the State Fair either first let me say the venue is really nice. I think everyone liked the layout of the event. Were there a few issues? Yes, but they are ones I think they can and will resolve before the next one. The biggest from my point is drainage and the opening where massed band take the field.

We wisely paid attention to the weather and switched from our normal routine of full ceremonial on Saturday and work uniform on Sunday and flipped them due to the rain. The day stared with a little bad news in that Chris Fox came all the way from Syracuse to play with us and was sick and would not be playing with us on Saturday but was going to try and make it on Sunday. After getting settled in and tuned up we stared off on our first performance through the Clan tents and vendor area. After performing for the Marines we marched over to the St. Kilda tent. While there it started raining. We played on for a couple of more sets and then headed back to the tent to pull out our rain capes so of course it immediately stopped raining. Massed bands as noted above was a little weird as the field only allowed bands to enter one at a time. That needs to change as the thrill of playing in a huge band like that is half the fun of massed bands. The rest of Saturday was spent in intermittent rain showers and our other performances went fine. I managed to talk to the guys in the NYPD Emerald society pipe band. The group they had here was the competition group. When they march in a parade at home they can dress out 150 pipers. One hundred fifty pipers, that has to be a site to see. Closing ceremonies was something in and of its self. I’ve never played in that much of a downpour or played Scotland the Brave that Fast. Talk about rain the bottom literally fell out. All the bands persevered got off the field and ran for cover.

Feathered Bonnets from MacLaren Jewlers

As cloudy and rainy as it was Saturday Sunday was just as clear and sunny. Now the other big complaint about the games, the drainage for the fields was awful. Mud and ponds were everywhere. I have to hand it to the folks at the grounds they were there putting straw down and using sump pumps to try and drain some of the bigger ponds, but man was it muddy. Chris fought through his illness and joined us so with our ranks full and the dawning of the new day the drummers unveiled their new feathered bonnets. The bonnets were graciously donated by MacLaren Jewelers which is owned and operated by Katy and Larry Brydon. I have to say, whether or not you think we sound good or play well some or all of the time, you have to admit at least we looked great. There will be another blog expressing our thanks to the Brydon’s but I’d like to extend my thanks to them again. Best part of the day hands down was our last play through. We attracted quite the crowd. Drummers sported the bonnets as we would head straight to massed bands when we were done. After 4 or 5 sets we marched over to where Greater Richmond was playing and circled up with them for a few sets as well. Both bands sounded great. By the way Greater Richmond Grade 4 band won their grade while the Grade 5 band while playing really well came in third. After playing with Greater Richmond it was off to closing ceremonies and then we were done.

SALPD 2009 Meadow Highland Games

It was really cool to hear the buzz we created while playing with GRPD. Mary and Chance have worked really hard with us and I hope all our hard work is paying off for them. I know it is for us. All in all I’d say the event was successful for the first run at a new location. The vendors and food were great as usual not to mention Barley Juice and Rathkeltier. Neil Anderson will either make you not want to play the pipes or inspire you to pick them up. He does some amazing stuff and you’re either like I want to do that or there is no way it can be done better. Old friends met, new friends made, Scotch egg eaten, Irish coffee drank, and a shot or two of whiskey had along the way as well. Here’s to the 2009 Meadow Highland Games and looking forward to 2010.

Don’t forget to check us out in November at the following events:
Nov 7th – Urbana Oyster Festival
Nov 13th – Opening for Seven Nations @ Arizona Joe’s
Nov 22nd – Ashland Holiday Parade
Nov 30th – Grand Opening of MacLaren Jewelers

We look forward to seeing you all at an upcoming event and thank you all for your support.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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:

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

What an Honor and a Priviledge we had today! Myself and Drum Sergeant Shumaker participated in a joint combination 9-11 Service and   the Un Casing of the Colors Ceremony for the newly relocated United States Army Ordinance Corps at Ft. Lee today. The US Army Ordinance Corps has been headquartered at Aberdeen Maryland for 92 years, and it took an Act of Congress to move them to Ft Lee, literally.

Before and after the hour long ceremony, CO Brigadier General Collyar, and RCSM Sergeant Major Brooks made a point to come speak with us, and we thoroughly appreciate the enthusiasm they bring to the Post.  We also got to see a few familiar faces we have become quite good friends with from the post, such as CWO Wallace of the 392nd Army Band and many others. The Ordinance Corps, itself, will bring 4,000 more personnel to Ft Lee over the next two years.  The first portion of the ceremony consisted of Officially Un Casing the Colors of the Ordinance Corps, and the latter portion paid honor and tribute to the 20 members from the Army, Airforce and Marines, that were killed in action this past year. As each deceased soldier, airman and Marine’s name was read, a representavive of their branch, marched up, placed a set of dog tags on the memorial and saluted, as we played a solemn lament.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Drum Sergeant Shumaker and myself were first presented the Award for Excellence in our Craft, by Regimental Command Sergeant Major Brooks, and then received an Award For Excellence by Brigadier General Collyar.  An officer afterwards whispered into our ears, that in all his years under their command, he had only seen a very select few receive either awards. We surely feel honored.

 Other Corps groups are also relocating to Ft Lee. When it’s all said and done, Ft Lee will probably be the largest multi Training Base in the country. Nothing happens by coincidence, and I’m proud that we as the SALPD are right there with them to be there for their ceremonial needs.

psssst…. not to mention, there’s a few of my brother Devil Dogs there too!

PM MacLeod

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

October brings the Williamsburg Games and the new/old Meadow Highland Games (formerly the Richmond Games) Urbana and St. Andrew’s Day in November and the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk in December. This time of year is a near sprint to the next event. But its an honor to perform at them all. Another thing that we encourage all of you to do is check out the pipe band competitions at the various Festivals and root for GRPD. We have come a long way in improving our sound with the help of our friends in that band. We now have several members who are competing with them and still performing with us. GRPD is an amazing band and we are privileged to have them helping us. Hopefully this is leading to one or two combined performances a year in addition to our performance with them at the Irish Festival.

So as we take off on our busy part of the year we’d like to wish all the students headed back the best of luck in the coming year. Cool air and crisp leaves are almost here and with it comes the skirl of the pipes and lots of Celtic fun. Thank you all for your support and we hope to see you very soon.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Yesterday was Steve’s first band competition. Chance Bell took 1st place in the Grade 1 Solo Piping. More took first and second places, but I don’t have all the details as of right now, but shall post later.

 GRPD grade 5 took 2nd and GRPD grade 4 took 1st place.  I love GreatMeadows surely for one thing, it puts the band cometition right in the middle of everything, and crowds seem to gather more to watch. GRPD in my opinion blew everyone away when they did the Grade 3 challenge. The judges commented very highly on their arrangement on all the score sheets.

Now all the bands get to go back home and prepare for the next two festivals, Williamsburg & Meadows (formerly RHGCF) Counting in Virginia Scottish Games, it makes for a two edged sword for the bands. On one hand, it tires everyone out preparing, but at same time, gives a band to critique what mistakes have been made, while everything is fresh in the collective mind of the band.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Thank you to Brian & Mary at Greater Richmond for swaying us to the MacCallum chanters. Holy Smokes! What a difference they make. The lower pitch we desired is there and I’ve played on some nice chanters, but these so far take the cake for a band set up. Hardly no taping compared to the older ones, and I love the balance. The holes feel great and the F is true! We got three more in this week and it’s making a big difference. No wonder Fay King said MacCallum tents dominated the scene at the Worlds in Scotland last week while she was over.

Both Ross and Warnocks  chanter reeds work very well. With Ross becoming a royal pain in the %$# on supply, it’s great to know reed makers out there like Warnock are there. I understand Harris out of Australia , makes a nice reed too, that works well with the MacCallums.

For now, I’m using the new MacCallum on my Naill pipes, and I put the old chanter on my Pettigrews.

Anyone out there tried the Harris reeds in their MacCallum yet?

Bookmark It

Hide Sites