pipes|drums’ Top 10 news stories of 2014

Going out in style

May 30th: Barry Wilson confirms 2014 will be final season with ScottishPower

July 2nd: MacLeod to step down as Glasgow Skye P-M after World’s

We saw these two stories as examples of a welcome new trend for pipe bands: the thoughtful departure. While pipers and drummers today are often criticized for their lack of allegiance and commitment, drumming great Barry Wilson, and renowned Pipe-Major Kenny MacLeod’s separate resignations were done the right way. Rather than leave their bands in the lurch, each allowed time enough for a successor to be identified as they graciously played out the season. In ScottishPower’s case, Jake Jørgensen of Shottts came on board in September, and Glasgow Skye made Ewan Henderson its main man in October. On the other hand, examples of ugly and acrimonious pipe band changes will be forever thus, as evidenced by the Los Angeles Scots abrupt sacking of Leading-Drummer Glenn Kvidahl in September.