Pipers of the Canadian Regular Army 1950 - 2000   Pipe Major Hugh Macpherson, CD,BA     Can you remember when you first purchased your copy of the Scots Guards? I can…and it wasn’t Volume 1 of 2 yet … it was just the Scots Guards Collection, 1954. I read all the literature. I looked at all the great photos. Little could I foresee Volume Two with more of the same. Little did I know at the time that many of the Pipe Majors pictured would become good friends of mine over the years – Pipe Majors like Angus MacDonald and Dixie Ingram.   Well once again that same feeling has been captured in The Pipers of the Canadian Regular Army by Pipe Major Hugh Macpherson. The picture show at the beginning is well worth the price of admission. Through his careful narrative of the bands and pipe majors over the last 50 years, I was able to revisit many past friendships and acquaintances.  Archie Cairns, Hugh Macpherson, Don Carrigan, Bill Magennis, Bill Gilmour and others have been close friends of mine for years. Although not all are still with us, Hugh’s book has brought back many memories. It has allowed the history of the RCR’s, the Canadian Guards, and the Black Watch to come to centre stage once again. Who could forget the 1967 Centennial Tattoo? In a world today where our troops are overseas fighting insurgence, we forget that the pipe band was an integral part of the history of the Canadian forces. We all recall the important role our Highland regiments played in both World Wars. Although never again to take such an important place in history, this book rekindles fond memories of the military bands of yesteryear. Good job Pipe Major......   The book is introduced by General John de Chastelain, who needs no introduction himself as the former highest ranking officer in the Canadian Forces, former Ambassador to the United States and Chief of the Disarmament Commission of North Ireland.   Did I mention music? The book contains 120 tunes, all from the pen of Canadian army personnel. Composers like Archie Cairns, Hugh Macpherson, William Stirling, Don Carrigan, John Langille, Bill Magennis, David McIntyre, John Huggan, Jim Patterson, Dr. George Fraser… just to mention a few. To compliment these tunes, there is a double CD, where most of the tunes are recorded for learning purposes.   The links below will lead you to a sample copy of the tunes with the double CD offering. There is little that PM Macpherson has omitted in this complete tribute to the Pipers of the Canadian Regular Army.   The book is published by Scott’s Highland Services Ltd., and may be purchased directly from them or from your favourite dealer. Enjoy the read.       A sample of the photos of the Pipe Majors  Bill Gilmour (RCR) and Archie Cairns (Canadian Guards)             Governor General Romeo LeBlanc presenting  Pipe Major Macpherson with his personal pipe banner - 1997       Now for a sampling of the music   Click on Music for a listen to the CD                                              To print the table of the contents                                                        To email PM Macpherson                                                                  To order from Scott's Highland Services                     Copyright © 2005,2006 The Captain's Corner