School pipes in Diamond year for award-winning band

The band first played as a full ensemble in 1964, and since then has gone from strength to strength representing the school at a variety of events, including New York Tartan Week.

Earlier this month the band teamed up with Granite City Pipes and Drums to achieve the prestigious Best Band title at the Ballater Highland Games.

A quarter of the school's roll participates in piping and drumming lessons with the aim of securing a place in the band once their skills have been built up along with their repertoire of tunes.

They then go on to represent the school at various events throughout the year including Remembrance Day parades, corporate and charity events, The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, agricultural shows and highland games.

As part of the celebrations, the school has also organised a grand reunion event which is scheduled to take place in June next year.

This special occasion aims to bring together pipers and drummers, drum majors, former tutors and pipe band managers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia among the band's alumni and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.

Richard Toley, Lathallan headmaster, said: “The 1964 Lathallan School magazine states that this was the first year that the band had played as a complete ensemble including pipes and drums and since then hundreds of pupils have played their part in continuing the legacy of the band.

“Our school takes immense pride in its rich musical heritage and the integral role the pipe band plays in our community.”Throughout the coming year, the band will showcase their musical prowess at various events, parades, and competitions. It has also launched its annual Solo Piping and Drumming Competition which will take place on September 16.

The event is open to all school-age pipers and drummers, from beginners to regular performers.

The school has expressed its gratitude to all the students, staff, parents, Old Lathallians and supporters who have contributed to the band’s continuing success and longevity.

Pipe Band Manager and Lathallan School parent, Rachel Kinkead said: “Both my children have been involved in the pipe band over the last eight years, they have enjoyed so many experiences and competitions.

"The trip to New York Tartan Week was definitely one of their highlights. It was a great way for them to make friends in other years and then to be able to support the younger ones when they became Drum Sergeant and Pipe Major.”