Updated: New all-star band secures Glenfiddich sponsorship: “Spirit of Scotland”
The band of premier pipers and drummers with Roddy MacLeod as pipe-major that was announced in January has confirmed a sponsorship deal with Glenfiddich, with the group called the “Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band sponsored by Glenfiddich.” Terms of the agreement were not revealed.
MacLeod also revealed to pipes|drums that several new players have joined, including pipers Euan MacCrimmon, Inverness, Scotland; Finlay Johnston, Glasgow; Niall Matheson, Inverness; Niall Stewart, Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland; Stuart Samson, Edinburgh.
Drummers added to the band include Jackie Houlden, Glasgow; Jacquie Troy, Victoria, British Columbia; James P. Troy, Victoria, British Columbia; Kahlil Cappuccino, Ontario; Gordon Magee, Victoria, British Columbia; and Chris Ross, Scotland.
Several other very high profile pipers have expressed desire to play, provided that they can work around other commitments.
“It’s such an exciting and interesting idea we felt compelled to give some support,” Liz Maxwell of William Grant & Sons, owners of the Glenfiddich brand, commented. “It was ‘conceived’ at Blair Castle during the 2007 Glenfiddich Piping Championship, so perhaps we felt just a little parental responsibility! The band’s name comes from our successful and prestigious annual ‘Spirit of Scotland Awards’ and is quite appropriately led by Roddy MacLeod, who was awarded the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Award for Music in 2004.
“The value of being associated with the piping and drumming elite forming ‘The Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band’ is immeasurable and although this is a new venture for us, I’m sure it will fit very nicely into our existing piping portfolio. At the moment, we have discussed only an appearance at the 2008 World Pipe Band Championship, but who knows what the future holds?”
The new pipers bring the total number of Highland Society of London Gold Medals in the ranks to 17.
The band’s grading has not yet been confirmed, and it is thought that group is only now in the process of putting together an application to the RSPBA. The Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band sponsored by Glenfiddich allegedly intends to compete and perform only at the World Pipe Band Championships in 2008.
Noticed a few bass drummers in there. Who will be on the big drum?
thanks for a wee bit of fresh air – this whole matter of first grade is becoming boring. AND who needs drummers anyway!? More room on the bus! Bass sections are getting sillier by the day. Hope this new band gets an airing as good bad or whatever it’ll provide an interest.
Chris Ross (ex-Vale), will be on the bass I’m guessing.
On bass, Craig ‘Hoss’ Colquhoun.