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Buchan Pipe Band History

  • The Beginning

    The Beginning
    The Buchan Pipe Band was formed under the patronage of Captain D.W.S. Buchan of Auchmacoy. Leading the band was Pipe Major G.Thom with Drum Major A. Skinner wearing the Cumming Tartan, which is associated with the Buchan area. Pipe Major Thom successfully led the band for a number of years playing at numerous local events such as the Royal Highland Gathering at Braemar, galas, and street parades
  • Dawn of a new Era

    Dawn of a new Era
    Pipe Major Thom stepped down allowing the young, ambitious Robert Skinner to take the role of Pipe Major. Robert led the band into the world of competition at the elementary level of Grade 4.
  • Inauguaral Competition at Aden Country Park, Mintlaw

    Inauguaral Competition at Aden Country Park, Mintlaw
    The Buchan Pipe Band organisation set up the first of its own annual competitions at Aden Country Park, Mintlaw with over 15 Pipe Bands participating in the inauguaral event – all competing for the title of “North of Scotland Champion of Champions”. This event has now run for over 15 years and continues to be closing contest of the North of Scotland Branch outdoor season.
  • Grade 2 Competition Success

    Grade 2 Competition Success
    In 1996 the band dominated Grade 2 winning all 5 Majors, including the coveted World Pipe Band Championships, taking away the overall Champion of Champions prize at the end of the season, and gaining promotion to Grade 1 for 1997.
  • Rebuilding the Band

    After two seasons in the very top RSPBA Grade 1, the Band requested to be returned to Grade 2 in the RSPBA official Grading structure. A major restructuring of the Band personnel during this time brought new pipers and drummers into the Band with P/M Robert Skinner and L/D Brian (Mooner) Martin starting to rebuild the Band back into an effective competing organisation.
  • Grade 2 Competition Success

    A tremendous year for the band, winning 4 Majors and finishing 2nd in the other, including the coveted World Pipe Band Championships and taking away the overall Champion of Champions prize at the end of the season. Results from the Major Championships:
    May 25th, Bathgate: British Champions
    June 29th, Forres: European Champions
    July 27th, Dumbarton: Runner up in the Scottish Championships
    August 17th, Glasgow: World Champions
    August 31st, Dunoon: Cowal Champions