Helensburgh pipe band celebrates busy summer
A HELENSBURGH pipe band is celebrating a successful season of performances – and hopes to encourage more players to join.
Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band played local events and competed on plenty of local stages this summer as they had a busy May, June, July and August.
Most recently, they competed at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow on Saturday, August 17 with some of their very young members competing for the first time.
The band were placed 10th in their heat of 15 with a total of 49 bands entered in their grade.
Competitions aside, the band played at a variety of events in the local area this summer including Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games, Luss Highland Games, Drymen Gala Day and every Thursday in June in Colquhoun Square.
They also made a special appearance for the Waverley passing Helensburgh Pier as part of the ongoing plans to Save the Pier.
But it is not over yet as the group are now busy practicing for the next competition at Cowal Games on Saturday, August 31 in Dunoon.
Now, the band is focused on recruiting new members of all playing levels as it allows learners
and more experienced musicians to join.
Practice is held at the Lomond School Sports Centre in Helensburgh on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm where both learner classes and full pipe band rehearsals with experienced tutors are held.
The band’s secretary, CH Campbell, said: “The band benefit greatly from the support and sponsorship given to us by the Clan Colquhoun through Sir Malcolm and Lady Katharine Colquhoun for which we are very grateful.
“Sir Malcom is patron of the band and both he and Lady Katharine attend the band’s annual presentation dinner in Luss, where they present various prizes to band members including the Lady Katharine Colquhoun trophy, presented annually to the best student and a crystal engraved keeper trophy from Sir Malcolm.”
The new season will begin on Monday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 4 and they hope to see new faces.
Anyone who would like to join should contact the secretary by calling 07710427535 or emailing campbell.crockett@live.co.uk.
Interested musicians can also contact Pipe Major John Low by calling 07393835315 or emailing john.low66@btinternet.com or alternatively message the group via their Facebook page, Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band Facebook.