A few members have advised me of the passing of Jim Hardie.

Robert Wallace has blogged on his piping press website that

“The death has been reported in Victoria, British Columbia, of James Hardie son of the famous pipe major RG Hardie. James was 63.“

Click here to read the full pipingpress article.

Jim who was a very successful solo player, played in the 214 band at the same time as Dougy McColl, Robert McQuillan, Iain Morrison etc…

Jim Hardie at Cowal 1972 with his winning solo trophies, he would have played in the band 1970-73 roughly.

214th Glasgow Company Pipe Band at ‘Cabaret’ playing in the Concert Hall, Glasgow 1971.

Back Row:- Gus MacLennan, Kenny Hamilton, Ronnie Elmslie, Dougy McColl, Martin Gilfillan, Captain Bob Alderdice.

Middle Row:-Frank Gilfillan, Iain MacDonald, PM Alex MacIver, Jim Hardie, David Duncan, Iain Morrison.

Front Row:- Kenny MacLeod, John MacLennan, Robert McQuillan, Eoin Ashford.

Jim tuning up at Cowal 1971.

Jim won the first ever Silver medal at the Northern Meeting in 1979.

The 214 Ex Members all send their condolences to Jim’s family at this sad time.

After a mixed day of weather on the Friday and a warmer though blustery Saturday, Grade 1 was competed for by each band having four performances. (One MSR and one Selection on each day).

The moist air on the Friday played its part, (along with no doubt nerves), as I heard three of the bands with early chanter sounds.

Consistency proved to be the key and this years Grade 1 World Champions were Inveraray & District.

I’m sure a lot of us remember being 15 years old and seeing the top bands of the day and thinking how good it would be to play at that level?

That dream came true at the weekend for one of our 214 young boys son.

Our goodly Treasurer, Stephen McQuillan’s son Kerr, who plays with Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia.

You may remember Kerr playing Alex Connell’s composition of ‘Drum Major George Seymour’, on the side drum at the reunion a couple of years ago along with Donald MacKenzie on pipes.

(Click here to see DM George Seymour content)

I spoke to Boghall’s leading drummer Gordon Brown on Saturday evening, he was so happy to see Kerr make it to the big stage at the Grade 1 Worlds.

‘It was great to play alongside him, he is such a composed player for someone so young in his years’.

Well done Kerr, you made your family so proud.

As usual I bumped onto a few 214 faces over the two days, Brian & Stephen McQuillan, Alasdair McKay (who was competing in Grade 2 with Annan), Gordon Medlow was over from Belfast and John MacLeod.

I was also talking to Gordon Rennie the son of the last 214 Captain, John Rennie who sadly passed away a couple of years ago.

Myself, Alasdair, Gordon and John enjoying the sunshine.

The BBC Worlds programme airs this Friday 23rd August @ 7pm.