Duncan Johnstone

Duncan Johnstone (July 25, 1925 – November 14, 1999) was a Scottish bagpiper and composer.[1][2]

During World War II, Duncan served with the Submarine Surveillance Mine Sweeping Service in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.[2] On his return from the war, he became a joiner for the Clan Line and Stephen shipyards, whilst taking piping lessons in his free time.[2] He was the first piper to win the Scottish Pipers' Association Knockout Competition in 1964.[2]

In 1974, he moved on to be a bagpipe instructor full time at the College of Piping in Otago Street, Glasgow; a position he held until 1978 when, he founded his own piping school in Robertson Street.[2]

In his lifetime he would publish three books of traditional and modern pipe music and three solo albums.[2] He was awarded the Balvenie Medal by Messrs Wm Grant & Son in 1996 for his piping achievements.[2]

After his death the Duncan Johnstone Memorial Competition was set up by the National Piping Centre.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Gilchrist, Jim (January 30, 2012). "Music Review : Celtic Connections : Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band & Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band : ****". The Scotsman. p. 34.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Duncan Johnstone". The Herald (Glasgow). November 27, 1999. p. 18.
  3. ↑ Gilchrist, Jim (August 4, 2010). "Folk, Jazz, Etc: Son's suite tribute to the piper's piper, the late Duncan Johnstone". The Scotsman. p. 40.