John Logie Baird Award For Innovation

In 1999, Charles McMillan's innovative design earned him recognition from one of Scotland's foremost design competitions. The McMillan Watertrap was Regional Winner from the Highlands and Islands and was a finalist in the national challenge.

The Herald newspaper (12th November 1999) said "Futurefile was massively impressed by the McMillan Water Trap, which prevents moisture building up in bagpipes and causing them to go out of tune."

The Courier and Advertiser said "Pipers all over the world look to be making sweeter music thanks to the invention of a Kintyre man. The future of the watertrap, however, looks very promising after receiving the approval of Hugh McCallum who originates from Campbeltown. Hugh is known all over the world as one of the best pipers and he was the only person other than Charles and the judges of the competition to see the trap until now.

"He has been using one for about six months and has been totally satisfied with its performance."