The Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band

The Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band was formed in Edmonton in 1972 and is one of the oldest continuously existing bands in the city. It took its name and its tartan from the clan affiliation of its first Pipe Major, Jim Porter. The Band has always been self-supporting since its inception.

By 1973, the Band boasted more than 20 pipers and drummers. Over the years, that number fluctuated significantly, going to just 4 active members in the mid- 1980's to the 29 members it enjoys today. Initially, most of the Band's playing members were young people. However, in the mid-1980's the Band's Board of Directors decided to shift its efforts away from being a teaching band, with a priority to teach young people the skills of piping and drumming appropriate to a pipe band, to that of a marching band for adults who already possessed those skills.

Over the years, the Band has performed on many occasions in Edmonton. It has taken part in several Klondyke Days parades and entertained people in a number of seniors' residences as well as in the Glenrose Hospital from time to time. And for the past several years it has taken part in the St. Andrew's Day celebrations at the St. Andrew's Senior Home in the city. The Band also formed a part of the massed pipe bands organized taking part in the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in 1978 and the Universiade Games in 1983. It also was a part of the massed pipe bands that took part in the very rainy celebrations during Queen Elizabeth's visit to the province's centennial celebrations in 2005.

In addition, the Band has always played in other communities in the province, from as far as Pincher Creek in the south to Grande Prairie in the north and to many other smaller communities closer to the city. And until recently, the Band has performed at the Remembrance Day ceremonies held by the Branch No. 39 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Vegreville virtually every year since the Band was formed. In 1976, the band traveled to Scotland for a month-long excursion, where it performed in Strathaven, East Kilbride, competed at the Highland Games in Hawick, and took in the world famous Edinburgh Tattoo.

During its 36 year existence, seven individuals have led the Band as pipe major, including the current incumbent, Patricia Gregoire. The Band has had three drum majors, including Derek McKay, the current holder of that position. The Band has been very well served by just four quartermasters, including the latest, Bonnie Ewasyshyn, and Ricky McKee, who served from 1976 to 2007.

For many years, Stewart Russell, one of the Band's many pipe majors, organized and ran the Ellerslie Highland Games on behalf of the Edmonton Scottish Society, as well as the Fort Edmonton Highland Games in conjunction with the Alberta Caledonian Pipe Band. Throughout that time, members of the Band served as stewards or in administrative capacities at these games.

If you would like to see your pipe band featured in one of our newsletters, send us an email with a band photo and a short write up about the band. Feel free to offer some tips or advice that has been proved useful to your band. Include any links or videos that you would like us to post.

Free Trial

In celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds, we are offering a 30 day Free Trial Period on a set of drone reeds.
Just place an order on our website for the reeds and at checkout, type "Free Trial" in the comments box. We will send you a set of Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds. All you pay initially is the shipping.

We know you will be happy with the product but if you are not just send them back within 30 days. No questions asked. A chance to try out a great product without any risk.
This offer is only available until October 31st. Let your friends know!

Have you heard Martin Nolan's CD "Bright Silver Dark Wood"? Beautifully played on the uilleann pipes, this great CD is currently on special for only $12.99!! Hurry & get your copy while they last.

World Pipe Band Championships 2008 CDs are now in stock! Get your copies today!

We have added a new "Video Clip of the Month" feature to our email newsletters.
This Month's Clip:
Hippo and Bagpipe Dog

Oil, Stretch, Repeat!

Do you suffer from pain in your thumb, index and middle finger? There is a chance that you could be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

CTS is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to pain in the hand. This condition often effects people who do repetitive activites with their hands, including Bagpipe players.

Although there is virtually no way to completely get rid of the symptoms short of surgery, there are several things that one can do to minimize the irritation. Simple stretches, massages, and wrist exercises can help to relieve the pain. We recommend using the NSD powerball, which is great for exercising your wrists, hands, fingers, arms, and shoulders.

Many people wear braces on their wrists and hands at night to keep their hands in a relaxed position.

There are several oils and creams such as Bengay, Icy Hot and Tiger Balm that can be used to isolate and soothe the pain. Even Vitamin B6 and B12 are said to offer relief.

In some instances, Cortisone shots were found to offer some relief. As previously mentioned, surgery has been found to have great results, although many people try to avoid having to go to that level. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor.

There are many "remedies" to help to ease the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you have any home remedies, or have found a great way to ease the pain, tell us about it & we'll spread the word!!