History
1970
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.
Buchan Pipe Band in the seventies, P/M G. Thom & D/M A. Skinner
1985
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.
Buchan Pipe Band on parade in the mid-eighties
1992
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.
The mid-90's were a period of great success for the band
1996
Through hard work, dedication, practice and willingness, the band was promoted up through the grades to become one of the highest achieving pipe bands in the North of Scotland today. The scene was set at the final two RSPBA Major competitions of 1995 at Cowal Highland Gathering and the British Championships in Tain where the band secure 1st places in the Grade 2 contest. 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.
Between the period of 1990 and 1996 Buchan Pipe Band achieved notable success in the competition arena but was also very popular with other engagements. In 1991 the Band was invited to travel to France for the official twinning ceremonies of the towns of Fraserburgh in Scotland and Bressuire in France. The very busy four days in France included performances at civic receptions, schools, evening receptions and street marches. This annual event continued with two pipers travelling each year and in 1996 the Grade 4 Band made the trip to fulfil the duties.
The successes of 1996
In 1991 a telephone call from the Managing Agent for Rod Stewart, requesting the Band to be part of the two concerts at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, as the starting point for the singer’s European tour was quickly accepted. The Band performed in front of sell-out audiences in what can only be described as an amazing atmosphere.
Numerous engagements for significant Corporate functions in Aviemore, Aberdeen and Perth were fulfilled by the complete Band and occasionally by smaller groups of Pipers and Drummers. Buchan Pipe Band was part of the massed Bands performance for the pre-start and interval entertainment of the Scotland versus Switzerland football match at Pittodrie Football stadium in Aberdeen in 1994.
1997 - 2000
After two seasons in the very top RSPBA Grade 1, it was decided that the Band was not ready to compete in that very competitive Grade and 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. Significant changes in the way the Band was previously run helped to stabilize the organisation and set the format for the new century.
Buchan Pipe Band continued competing at the 5 x RSPBA Major Championships, Scottish, British, European, Worlds and Cowal competitions with some success as the musical capabilities of Pipe Band music was stretched to new heights across the complete spectrum and popular music was adapted and played in competition. The Band also continued to fully support the RSPBA North of Scotland Branch local competitions at Turriff, Aberdeen, Oldmeldrum, and Mintlaw gaining North of Scotland Championships in piping and Drumming as well as Band Championships. The Band was North of Scotland Champion of Champions in Grade 1; the Grade above the RSPBA allocated Grade, during this time. The Grade 2 competition between the 4 x Grade 2 Branch Bands was as competitive as always.
The Grade 4 Band continued to developed and, as well as acting as a “feeder band” for the Grade 2 Band, competed in the RSPBA North of Scotland Branch local competitions with some success. Both Bands continued to support local engagements at Fetes, Gala’s, Football matches, and events throughout this time. The annual Opening Ceremony at the Peterhead Scottish Week as well as leading the final day street Parade have been an annual part of the Bands’ calendar since their first appearance in Scottish week in 1970.
2001 - 2006
While continuing to progress in competition across all of the Major and local competitions in Grade 2 and supporting the local engagements, a section of the Band travelled to Norway to provide musical entertainment and take part in the launch of a new Offshore Oil Industry Supply vessel as well as performances in the local town.
During this period of the Bands’ history there was more success in competition both in RSPBA Major Competitions in Scotland and Ireland and the local competitions at Turriff, Aberdeen, Mintlaw and a revived Strathmore Games event at Glamis Castle near Forfar. These successes included North of Scotland Champions in RSPBA local Grades 1 and 2 in both Piping and Drumming. Champion of Champions has followed on from these.
As the Band continues to move forward in structure and content, as well as musically, the organisation to support the Band has also moved forward with new progressive approaches. The Band ended the 2006 competition season with a credible 4th place at the Cowal Games Championships and is progressing confidently towards a new season in 2007.
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