The year in news: the Top 10 pipes|drums stories of 2011
#2. The passing of Alasdair Gillies
It pains us to have to list this as an important news story, but such was the impact that the passing of Alasdair Gillies had on the collective piping world. The life of one of the greatest pipers in history was tragically cut short, and the outpouring of emotion over the loss was one probably not seen by the piping and drumming world since the death of G.S. McLennan in 1929. While this was the worst sort of news pipes|drums has to report, it is nonetheless part of posterity and a historic development. While we mourn the loss, we are also reminded and appreciative of the music that Alasdair Gillies left behind. We were blessed to have heard him.
Excellent summary. Ending with a reminder of the good byes we had to say to the great characters and friends we share the love of the music with, puts it all in perspective. How lucky we are to love the pipes and share the music and our lives with such wonderful folk!