NEWS ROUND-UP DECEMBER 2012
Take a look at our updated and comprehensive history section and watch out for more features in the coming months. In the meantime, Torphichen & Bathgate Pipe Band would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and New Year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2013!
There's some good news to end the year for the band's vice-chairman Graham Clark and his partner, Nichola, after the birth of their first child. Their beautiful baby daughter, Iona, was welcomed to the world early on December 9th. Hearty congratulations to Graham, Nichola, Iona and all the family from the band.
The inaugural Torphichen & Bathgate Internal Solos were held at Armadale Academy on December 1st. The contest offered the first opportunity for many of the novice juvenile players to compete and test themselves. There was a range of age categories from chanter, stick and pad, all the way up to open contests in piping and drumming. The event was extremely well received with a sizeable crowd for the day. Our adjudicators for the day were Scottish Power Pipe Band's P/M Chris Armstrong, Drumming judge and former Torphichen & Bathgate lead drummer Jim Baxter and Neil Bruce of Shotts & Dykehead for Bass and Tenor. Thanks go to the judges, to Councillor William Boyle for presenting the prizes and the canteen staff at Armadale Academy and, of course, to the many parents and followers for their continued support. A special mention must go to Derek McKie and Julie Firth who worked hard to make the event happen. The event was essentially a test run for the planning of an open contest to all bands and soloists next year, details of this will be made available as soon as possible.
Photgraphs from the event, courtesy of William Sinclair photography, can be viewed here.
About Us
Torphichen and Bathgate Pipe Band are based in West Lothian, Scotland and compete at the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association's highest level of competition, Grade 1.
Established in 1902 in the village of Torphichen, the band is one of the oldest civilian pipe bands still in operation today and has had many illustrious years of competitive success whilst serving its local community dutifully. In 2011 the band restarted its Novice Juvenile programme, with the youngsters practising alongside the adult band every Thursday.
The Grade 1 band is currently under the leadership of Pipe Major Stuart Shedden and Leading Drummer Callum Firth.
Band practices take place at Armadale Academy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm - 10.00pm. We are always interested to hear from any players with the ability to compete in Grade 1. Our practices have an open door policy and members of the public and potential new players are always welcome. Alternatively, if interested in playing with the band please feel free to contact any band member or send us a message through this website.
