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Finger Lock

Title

Finger Lock

Alternative Title

A Ghlas Mheur

Artist

Peter McCallister, Malcolm MacPherson

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Information

This tune was composed by Ronald son of Allan Og of Morar also referred to as Ronald MacDonald of Morar. He was a man of outstanding strength and an outstanding piper with several great tunes to his credit. It was said to be a favourite of the Rankins of Mull.

The Finger Lock Hakka video by Dr Roderick Ross

It appears in Donald MacDonald's book, Angus MacKay's manuscript and the Campbell Canntaireachd. It has been published in Ceol Mor and in the collections of Donald MacPhee and David Glen.

Malcolm MacPherson was a grandson of Calum Piobaire MacPherson, and son of Angus MacPherson. He was a renowned contemporary of John MacDonald of Inverness. The recordings were made in his later life when circumstances were not ideal. They reflect the style of playing indicated in the collection Binneas is Boreraig, which was compiled from Malcolm MacPherson's playing by Dr Roddy Ross.

Judges Note 2026

The different possible timings of low As and low Gs preceding phrase endings in the ground (see 2012 note below) were highlighted, and examples of recordings of several were played. It was noted that sensitive weighting of the short B between the 2 B grips at the start of lines 1 and 2 is important. A strong and sensitive sense of tempo, pulse and phrase is needed in the variations. Full note below.

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Available in:

PS Book 1, Kilberry, Binneas

Hannay-MacAuslin Manuscript Ghlas Mheur, lock on fingers The Finger Lock
Angus MacKay Manuscript The Finger Lock
CC V2 48 Glass Mhoier
David Glen's Book Finger Lock
John MacDougall-Gillies Finger Lock The
Angus MacKay Specimens of Canntaireachd Glas Mhir
John Smith MS The Fingerlock