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Through the early 1960’s not much had changed for the Scottish Piping Society of London. James Campbell of Kilberry was still President of the Society, with R.A. Gillies as Vice President and David Ross as P/M. Jim Caution was now Hon. Secretary, and well known names such as Gordon Speirs, Allan Beaton, Willie MacLeod and Hugh MacKay had joined the list of committee members. J.B. Robertson was still on the committee, as he had been since it’s inception. However, in 1966 Allan Beaton became President, ending Campbell’s 11 year period in office. There are no notes explaining why there was this change at the top, which is a pity. Roddy Livingstone, who received light music tuition from J.B. Roberston and piobaireachd tuition from James Campbell, has told me that Campbell had a finely engraved cigarette case presented to him by the SPSL, in recognition of his work for the society. Campbell was apparently very proud of this case, so I can only assume that his leaving was a voluntary retirement. 

In the first year of Allan’s tenancy, there was “a full programme of recitals of Piobaireachd during the winter months”. John MacFadyen of Glasgow scored a double that year, by winning both the Bratach and the MSR. It was also during this period that the charismatic Lord Craigmyle joined the committee. As well as running the London competition, the SPSL Member’s competition, Harpenden and all the various recitals, The SPSL were also running solo and quartette competitions at the Richmond Highland gathering. The Daily Telegraph reported an estimated 25,000 spectators at the Richmond Gathering for 1967. It seemed that interest in piping in London was at a high, and a seed of an idea began to form. It was decided that a permanent headquarters for the SPSL might be something that could be achieved. 

The premises would provide tuition, practice rooms, and be a place where, “pipers in the south would keep to the highest standards of piobaireachd”. In terms of ambition, it was to be a Southern cousin of the College of Piping. In 1967 the Scottish Piping Society of London Appeal was launched, with the aim of buying a building, kicking off with a “Piping Champions Recital” at the London Scottish Drill Hall. The recitalists were Pipe Major J.B. Robertson, billed as “probably the winner of more trophies than any living piper, he will play a selection of his own compositions”. Also playing were Hector MacFadyen of Pennyghael, playing MacSwan of Roaig. Hector was a winner of the Silver Chanter as well as taking the gold at Oban and Inverness. P/M William MacDonald of Benbecula, another winner at Oban and Inverness , including the Clasp, provided light music, and David Ross of Rosehall contributed MacLeod of Raasay’s Salute. There was also two appearances from the RAMC TA mini band, comprising P/M Robert Hill, Ian Macleod, John Fogarty and Gordon Speirs. The entrance fee was 5 shillings, (25p).

Initially the Scottish Piping Society of London appeal met with a very positive response, with a list of patrons that seemed like it had been lifted from the society pages of Tatler magazine; the Aristocracy, Clan Chiefs, and military top brass all acted as patrons and contributed. The first cheque was donated by the Queen Mother. There were also other donations from the likes of Sir Alec Guinness. The aim was to raise £10,000, a substantial amount of money in those days, but in the first few weeks 309 supporters donated over £2,500. 

Sadly, Britain hit an economic crisis, much like current times, and donations stopped. The dream of a permanent home for the SPSL was not to be, and the minutes from the early 70’s onwards return to a familiar theme; where to hold the Society’s recitals and competitions. The death of SPSL member Pipe Major William “Jock” Speedy is also noted in October 1969 with great sorrow. The three pipers at his funeral were Angus MacDonald, Alex MacDonald and Eric Findlater. 

By the early 70’s, the Ship Tavern by Holborn seemed to be an ideal place to meet and play music. The esteemed Willie Cochrane was now acting Pipe Major, and another name familiar to London pipers, John Shone, was listed as a committee member, but he was soon to take on the role of Vice President. By 1976 the recitals had moved to the Cock Tavern, Great Portland Street. In the minutes for that year, thanks are given to the recitalists, Donald MacLeod, John MacFadyen, Jimmy MacGregor, Jimmy McIntosh, Angus MacDonald, and Gavin Slattery. Quite an impressive list, by any standard! Protests were made that a Pipe major of the Society had gone to Uganda “to wear the Scottish National Dress, and to play the Great Highland Bagpipe, at a function organised by the Tyrant of that country”. This refers, of course, to a visit to see the notorious Idi Amin, whose love of piping and pipe music was well documented, and dramatised in the film “The Last King of Scotland”. By now the Annual Competition had moved to the Old Town Hall, Chelsea.

In 1977 the death was noted of one of the Society’s “oldest and most illustrious member, Mr Seton Gordon”. The 1978 recitals were kicked off by a young piper called Murray Henderson. A new Scottish Piping Society of London appeal was launched, but seems to have been not hugely successful, raising only a little over £300. If you recall the late 70’s this was yet another time when Britain was facing an economic crisis.

In 1979 members were shocked by the premature death of “our good friend, John MacFadyen”. John had given unstintingly of his time and energy in helping out the SPSL in any way that he could find to do so. A donation was given to the new John MacFadyen Trust. 1979 was also the first year that the Annual Competition was held in Glazier’s Hall, London Bridge.