The Tale of Pipey’s Pineapple

By Dave Johnston

Canadian born Pipe Major Hugh Macpherson’s has a rather unique walking stick, which doubles as a practice chanter. When asked about the instrument he shared a surprising tale of walrus tusks and pineapples:

“2RCR (a Canadian military regiment) sent me off to the British Army piping school at Edinburgh Castle for a year in 1974 - 75 and it took me thirteen years to get back to the battalion. I was pipe major at CFE in Lahr during 1977-82.

While serving there, Pipe Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Lyndon (Dixie) Ingram, 2nd Bn. Scots Guards, was responsible for the British Army On the Rhine piping contest. He asked me to judge, and presented me with Pipe Major Alexander Ross' First World War chanter walking stick - a regimental museum piece.

There was a remnant of an old ivory thistle on the top. I would, I decided, when I finally got back to the unit in 1988, use it. The infantry troops immediately christened the thing (I hope not me) "the big white knob!"

I was walking on the street behind the Junior Mess when a young soldier stopped me to examine the stick. He told me that when he was with 1RCR training up north, he bought an illegal lump of walrus tusk in the Churchill Royal Canadian Legion (branch) and hid it in his barrack box for fear of going to jail! He had a notion to study the traditional Japanese ivory carving known as Netsuke, but never did. Could he try to make a thistle for the top of my stick...of course he could!

Pioneer Platoon fitted and permanently glued it to the stick and the troops immediately christened it 'Pipey's Pineapple.'

Later, while walking about camp, I heard a familiar voice behind me - the Commanding Officer. After he had closely examined 'Pipey's Pineapple', and I had related the story of its creation, he inquired, "who was the soldier, Pipey?" I said "you've got to be kidding, sir."

He walked away laughing uproariously, as I saluted his departing back.”