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This is a photo of my Grt Uncle Arnot (William A Flett, the subject of the pipe tune "Flett from Flotta") Not sure where, or when it was taken. Possibly around 1942 and perhaps taken at the Fort George Barracks.
View Large VersionPicture added on 11 December 2007
Hi, is it possible to send me the tune, so I can hear it on my PC. Thanks.
Added by John Park on 05 July 2009
Flett from Flotta is a very popular little 4/4 march and is part of many Pipe Band's repertoire including the Kirkwall City Pipe Band.
I don't know if it's true or not but there's an interesting story behind the tune Flett from Flotta.
Donald MacLeod, MBE, was a very prominent piper of old in the Scottish regiments. The regimental silver was on it's way down to London for a big "do" and Donald and another soldier were guarding the silver on a train. While sitting on the crates containing the silver, they played their chanters to while away the time. Donald said they should write a tune to pass the time and when the tune was finished they were looking for a title. He asked the big soldier what was his name and where was he from. The rest is (as they say) history. The tune was written after Donald observed the peculiar gait of Flett. The rhythm is supposed to reflect his awkward walking style.
No doubt there will be somebody that frequents this site that will be able to confirm whether the story is true or not!!
John, do a google search and you'll come up with loads of links.
I don't know if it's true or not but there's an interesting story behind the tune Flett from Flotta.
Donald MacLeod, MBE, was a very prominent piper of old in the Scottish regiments. The regimental silver was on it's way down to London for a big "do" and Donald and another soldier were guarding the silver on a train. While sitting on the crates containing the silver, they played their chanters to while away the time. Donald said they should write a tune to pass the time and when the tune was finished they were looking for a title. He asked the big soldier what was his name and where was he from. The rest is (as they say) history. The tune was written after Donald observed the peculiar gait of Flett. The rhythm is supposed to reflect his awkward walking style.
No doubt there will be somebody that frequents this site that will be able to confirm whether the story is true or not!!
John, do a google search and you'll come up with loads of links.
Added by Bruce Moar on 07 July 2009
I believe that W.A. Fleet worked for the orkney county council in flotta. My father was foreman for the roads then and he knew him. I started school in flotta just before the war. the March is a lovely tune even when I play it.
This tune is used by accordionists in competitions.
This tune is used by accordionists in competitions.
Added by Ian S. Carter on 13 July 2009
Very good, my father John Crawford Flett came from Findochty and arrived with the family in 1930 during the depression. There is also a Flett Tartan and a Flett Coat of Arms.
Added by David John Flett on 26 May 2019
Flotta
