Boghall & Boxy fire up the north of Scotland

Bucksburn returned and here one could detect an increase in confidence as the band let themselves go with some excellent jig playing ending with an excellent presentation of “Mozart on the Rampage.” Sharing the musical talent in the band saw a special rendering of “Belfast Child” sung by Catherine Ellis, followed by a Mark Knopfler tune, “Irish Boy.” Two 6/8’s concluded Bucksburn’s fabulous contribution where Boghall joined the stage – great to hear the two bands playing together.

Boghall’s second half saw them continue to inspire and delight this now totally “fired-up” audience – strathspeys and reels, hornpipes and jigs all performed with technical excellence and wonderful musicianship.

Two items need special mention. Demonstrating the loyalty and passion of the members of Boghall, both for their band and their late former and special Pipe-Major Bob Martin, the members, from Bob’s time, played a fitting tribute of “Bob Martin” and “Leaving the Field.” This item said more than words ever could for this great and special man.

Boghall and drumming can never be separated. Gordon Brown simply pushes and achieves the same high standards that his father, Tom, left the band. The contribution of the drummers was simply outstanding. Firstly, joined by Bucksburn, you could see and feel the fun and excitement from the beginning of the item to the end. Then Boghall presented two excellent fanfares where the rhythmical and technical precision was outstanding. This was indeed a special tribute to the late Neil Cranston where a collection saw a cheque presented to Pipe-Major Ross Walker and Jamie Cranston for £300 for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

Thanks and congratulations go to both Bands and their guests for a most excellent evening. In particular pipe-majors Robert Stewart and Ross Walker and lead-drummers Scott Niven and Gordon Brown all deserve huge credit. They have set a challenge for the future. The playing by all and the dedication by Gus McAskill in driving this event from a dream to reality is exactly what the North East of Scotland needs more of. Thank you from what was a grateful and appreciative audience.

Jim Campbell is well known as one of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association’s top adjudicators. He was a member of the Bucksburn & District Pipe Band from 1967 until 1984.