Mystery of missing pipe band records as Mull of Kintyre book takes shape
A search is under way for missing Campbeltown Pipe Band records as part of a new book on the band’s role in the hit single Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney and Wings.
Former Campbeltown Courier reporter Jim Miller is gathering material for the project and had intended to include a short history of the pipe band, but he says key documents appear to have vanished following the band’s disbandment in 2012.
“When I was in Campbeltown recently,” he said, “I expected to see AGM minutes, committee meeting records and so on but no one seems to know where they are, if they ever existed at all, of course.
“Several pipe band members have told me that decisions were made orally and no record was necessarily kept, but I would have thought there must be some documentation, even correspondence with Paul McCartney or his company.
“Sadly, as the years have rolled on, many of the office bearers are no longer with us, but if anyone has a clue as to the whereabouts of this archive, I’d been keen to hear from them.”
Jim is also keen to trace David McIvor, who was a young pipe band member when the track was recorded in 1977.
“I’ve managed to locate all the other pipe band members with the help of John Brown but the whereabouts of David remain a mystery,” said Jim.
“He was one of the younger members of the band at the time and I’ve been told he lives in Aberdeen, Norway and the United States! Anything about David and where I might find him would also be really appreciated.”
Anyone with information can contact Jim – who was a reporter for the Courier when Mull of Kintyre became one of the best-selling singles in UK history – by emailing miller.orkney@gmail.com
The 50th anniversary of the recording is in 2027 and the weekend of August 7 has been earmarked as the “official” weekend for any local commemorations.
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