November 2025
At the presentation of our annual awards, the Niall Fairgrieve Award for the Most Improved Young Drummer went to tenor drummer Nyah Reilly, while piper Fiona Muir was selected by members as the Band Member of the Year.
September 2025
The launch of our 2026 calendar, titled Notes Along the Way. Provost John McMillan, who officiated at the launch, is seen here with band members Ian Sutherland, Emma Hogarth, and Dylan Dougan. (Photo: Daniel Hogarth)
August 2025
We welcome members of the Auld Alliance (Aubigny-sur-Nère) Pipe Band to Haddington and perform with them at Ball Alley by the Nungate Bridge.
(Photo: Daniel Hogarth)
July 2025
Another memorable visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère, our twin town in France for the Fête Franco-Écossaises – with the biggest band we have ever taken to the event. (Photo: Nick Callaghan)
December 2024
At a packed-out Usher Hall in Edinburgh, we support the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra in their annual end-of-year concert. Our playing members on the night range in age from 13 to 83.
December 2024
Our annual pre-Christmas performance at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh to play for patients, their families, and staff.
November 2024
The band awards honorary membership to Jim and Moira Graham (of Graham the Jeweller), who have supported the band superbly over many years.
November 2024
The winners of the band’s annual awards. Fraser Wells, who won the Niall Fairgrieve Award for the most improved young drummer; Aileen Roberston, the band member of the year; and Finlay Vischer, who won the Gail Wilkinson Award for the most improved young piper.
November 2024
The band awards honorary membership to John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, a long-time supporter of the band, initially as a parent of a band member then as a committee member, chairman, and subsequently as councillor and provost. Photo: John McMillan with band chair Ian Sutherland, pipe major Fraser Wilkinson, and drum sergeant Claire Miller.
September 2024
We launch our 2025 calendar, Sound Bites, with 13 specially commissioned photos by Nick Callaghan. The theme is East Lothian’s outstanding food and drink, and the launch is led by Provost John McMillan at The Loft, which again stages an exhibition of the shots. Here: the Provost with Nick Callaghan, tenor drummer Nyah Reilly, and pipe major Fraser Wilkinson. (Photo: Daniel Hogarth)
August 2024
We celebrate the 100th birthday of our co-founding member Ramsay Borthwick at the place where it all began back in 1981, the Tyneside Tavern. Fellow founding members Bill Bradford and David Leckie are present, as well as the Provost of East Lothian, John McMillan.
July 2024
Marking Heart of Midlothian’s 150th anniversary and the launch of the Maroon Mile initiative, we take part in a 150-strong massed band which parades from the Haymarket war memorial to Tynecastle Park. As with the Torchlight Procession, we have the largest contingent in the massed band.
May 2024
At the inaugural East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards, we win the Live Music Award at a glittering event hosted by broadcaster Bryan Burnett. The band also plays on stage during the evening.
December 2023
We participate in Edinburgh’s Torchlight Procession, a huge event which is enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors and residents in the city. We are the biggest band in the massed band, which parades from the Meadows, along George IV Bridge and the Lawnmarket, then to Castle Terrace.
December 2023
To the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh again to play for patients and their families ahead of Christmas.
November 2023
At our AGM, the Band Member of the Year award is won by Lucy Robertson, the Niall Fairgrieve Award for the most improved young drummer goes to Joseph Murray, and the Gail Wilkinson Award for the most improved young piper goes to Adam Wells. Andrew Cockburn is granted honorary life membership of the band.
October 2023
We bid adieu to one of the band’s longest-serving members, piper Andrew Cockburn, who retires after many years of playing. His service to the band, and to teaching piping overseas for many years before this, was immense.
September 2023
Our 2024 calendar is launched, with photography by Nick Callaghan and the theme of ‘The Rhythm of a Year’. The launch is led by Provost John McMillan at The Loft, which also stages an exhibition of the photographs.
Photo: Daniel Hogarth
August 2023
Our tenor drummer Emma Hogarth is the latest member of the band to play at the Edinburgh Tattoo, following in the footsteps of Frazer Rankin, Gavin McDougall, and Claire Miller.
December 2022
We again support the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity by playing for patients and their families at the Sick Kids hospital in Edinburgh in the run-up to Christmas.
October 2022
With a theme of ‘More Than Just a Band’, our 2023 calendar and exhibition are launched at The Loft by Provost John McMillan. The photos feature band members taking part in their ‘other’ activities: for example, the RNLI, sports, sculpture, crafts, and hillwalking. (Photo: Garry Menzies)
September 2021
Launch of our 2022 calendar and exhibition at The Loft. The band photographed here with East Lothian’s Provost, John McMillan, and Charlotte Kington, proprietor of The Loft. (Photo: Garry Menzies)
2020-21
The ongoing pandemic continues to prevent the band from performing. However, the practices keep going in weekly Zoom sessions organised by our pipe major, Fraser Wilkinson.
November 2020
Our 2021 calendar is launched. With 2021 being the tenth anniversary of our first calendar, this edition features a selection of the best shots from throughout the past decade.
August 2020
On 15 August, pipers from the band join pipers worldwide to play at 6.00am to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day. We play in locations of our own choosing – this shot taken at Byres Hill, overlooking Haddington.
August 2020
We launch a ‘shop local’ initiative to encourage people to support Haddington shops and other businesses at this challenging time. The scheme is a thank you from the band to all the businesses who have supported us over the years.
Summer 2020
With all events cancelled owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, we organise to play in our own gardens every Saturday at mid-day, using the ‘performances’ to raise funds for the local voluntary group, Our Community Kitchen, which provides meals to vulnerable people.
December 2019
We support the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra in their sell-out Hogmanay Celebration concert at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
October 2019
The launch of our 2020 calendar, Haddington Pipe Band at the Movies, with photos – all featuring band members and based on iconic film posters – taken by Paul Bock.
July 2019
To the Fêtes Franco-Ecossaises in Aubigny-sur-Nère, the 30th anniversary of the band’s first visit to our French twin town. Seen here, band member Caitlin Bruce raising the saltire to mark the start of the festival.
November 2018
A poignant Armistice Day marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. A number of our pipers play at various locations at 6.00am (the exact time of the signing of the Armistice) and the day ends with the final Thistle Commemoration.
October 2018
Launch of our 2019 calendar and exhibition at The Loft, with photography again taken by Nick Callaghan.
August 2018
We lead the Haddington 700 festival’s Big Medieval Day parade, with two of our members dressed in replica costumes of the Haddington town piper and town drummer from the 1700s.
August 2018
Our first Summer School, with youngsters and adults being introduced to piping and drumming.
January 2018
Band plays at Tynecastle Park for Foundation Day, run by Heart of Midlothian FC and the Foundation of Hearts.
Through 2018
World War One Thistle Commemorations
We support the commemorative parades (more than 100) throughout the year.
The parades take place on the day that each soldier from Haddington was killed, proceeding from their home to the commemorative area specially created in Memorial Park.
October 2017
Launch of our 2018 calendar.
July 2017
The band’s second Boot Camp.
July 2017
Trip to Aubigny-sur-Nère to participate in the annual Franco-Ecossaises festival.
June 2017
Back to our roots (see June 1981) by playing at the closing Haddington Festival Parade in fancy dress.
October 2016
Launch of our 2017 calendar and an exhibition of the photography at the Loft Cafe.
August 2016
Massed Pipes and Drums and Beating Retreat to mark the band’s 35th anniversary.
February 2016
New Spirit concert staged in partnership with Knox Academy.
October 2015
Launch of our 2016 calendar.
August 2015
The band is successful in its application to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and therefore achieves charitable status.
July 2015
Trip to Aubigny-sur-Nère to participate in the annual Franco-Ecossaises festival.
November 2014
Launch of our 2015 calendar and an exhibition of the photography at Peter Potter Gallery.
September 2014
Another title for the band – we win the Let’s Dance for Haddington competition with an outstanding line-dance routine!
August 2014
Fourth Trad on the Tyne festival. Highlights include Karine Polwart, Blazin’ Fiddles, the Friel Sisters, and an African dance workshop.
April 2014
We organise a concert, Piping Up, in conjunction with Hamish Moore (Cairdeas nam Piobaerian), which features Roddy MacLeod, Seudan, Angus Mackenzie, Allan MacDonald and Griogair Labhruidh.
March 2014
The BBC Fellowship year is brought to an end with a concert, Striking Up, compered by Gary West.
December 2013
Our first Boot Camp.
August/
September 2013
Third Trad on the Tyne festival. Highlights include Donnie Munro, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Outside Track.
July 2013
Trip to Aubigny-sur-Nère to participate in the annual Franco-Ecossaises festival. Pipe major Fraser Wilkinson given freedom of Aubigny and is presented with the Aubigny medal.
February 2013
We win a BBC Performing Arts Fund Fellowship grant, one of only 19 arts organisations throughout the UK to achieve this honour. One of Scotland’s finest young composers, Ailie Robertson, will work with the band for a 12-month period.
November 2012
Launch of our 2013 calendar and an exhibition of the photography at Peter Potter Gallery.
October 2012
David Leckie retires as pipe major. Fraser Wilkinson takes on the mantle.
September 2012
Second Trad on the Tyne festival. Highlights include the star-studded Steele the Show concert celebrating the work of East Lothian musician and singer, Davy Steele, and the gig by Daimh.
September 2012
Trad on the Tyne wins a commendation award at the Scottish Event Awards in the Best Small Festival in Scotland category
November 2011
Launch of our CD, The Haddington Turnpike and Other Great Pipe Tunes, produced by Greentrax Recordings.
October 2011
We open Greentrax Recording’s 25th anniversary concert at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh. Among the acts on the night are Dick Gaughan, Barbara Dickson, and The Poozies.
September 2011
We launch a successful traditional music festival, Trad on the Tyne, in Haddington. Fred Morrison is the headline act.
August 2011
Aubigny-sur-Nère pipe band visit Haddington and join a Franco-Scottish celebration, including a Massed Bands and Beating Retreat event
November 2010
Members of the Aubigny-sur-Nère pipe band visit Haddington and join us in various Saltire events. Fierce weather results in them being snowed in here – and they make the BBC news.
October 2010
Launch of our commemorative 2011 calendar, with an exhibition of the photographs on show at the Peter Potter Gallery.
September 2010
Launch of band annual awards – Band Member of the Year, the Gail Wilkinson Award for the Most Improved Young Piper, and the Niall Fairgrieve Award for the Most Improved Young Drummer.
July 2010
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère, marking the 21st anniversary of our first visit. A special tune – Ça Marche – is commissioned from Bruce Thomson and presented to the town and to the Aubigny band
November 2009
The band wins the Scottish Pipe Band of the Year title at the Scottish Trad Music Awards. David Leckie and Bill Bradford accept the award at the televised ceremony.
September 2009
For our combined Pipe Idol and Massed Bands events, we win the Scottish Events Awards title for the best medium-sized event in Scotland in 2009. We also take the runner-up spot in the traditional category.
May 2009
Our band youngsters collectively win the annual John Lockhart Award for young achievers in Haddington.
April 2009
We organise a series of Massed Bands parades around the county to mark Tartan Week and launch the new anthem. The performances culminate at Athelstaneford where RAF jets create a perfect saltire in the blue sky.
February/
March 2009
The band runs a competition to find a pipe ‘anthem’ for East Lothian. Entries come from all around the world. The top five are performed in a live play-off – Pipe Idol – in Haddington in front of a large audience. Bruce Thomson wins with The Haddington Turnpike.
July 2007
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère.
December 2006
Publication of ‘Chasing a Pipe Dream’ – reminiscences of the band from 1981 to 2006 by Bill Bradford and Martin Osler.
August 2006
Our 25th anniversary is marked with a Massed Bands parade and Beating Retreat in Haddington. Among the bands taking part are Aubigny, fellow East Lothian bands, and the De La Salle Band from Ireland. More than 100 musicians take part.
August 2005
We help to break a world record by taking part in Pipefest in Edinburgh, the biggest ever gathering of pipers and drummers (more than 9,000).
July 2005
Band plays at EuroDisney, Paris – and in Aubigny-sur-Nère.
July 2003
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère.
June 2002
Beating Retreat held, including members of the Aubigny-sur-Nère band.
May 2002
Ball held at Royal Musselburgh Golf Club to mark the band’s 21st anniversary.
July 2001
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère.
April 2001
Band plays at Murrayfield in support of Haddington RFC in the BT Shield final.
July 1999
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère.
May 1998
Beating Retreat held in the High Street.
December 1997
The band plays at Bourges cathedral as part of the televised National Telethon campaign to raise money for French charities
July 1997
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère.
May 1996
Beating Retreat held in Neilson Park.
May 1995
First Beating Retreat in the High Street, Haddington.
Summer 1994
Haddington piper Craig Clarkson spends the summer teaching chanter in Aubigny, leading to the formation of the pipe band there.
July 1994
Visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère. Pipe major David Leckie inducted into an order of wine tasters in Buie, near Sancerre.
July 1991
Back to Aubigny-sur-Nère – and a performance in a Paris club on the way.
July 1990
Second visit to Aubigny-sur-Nère to play at the 14 July event and at the Comice Agricole festival in the neighbouring town of Gien.
July 1989
First visit of the band to Aubigny-sur-Nère, our twin town.
1984
David Leckie becomes pipe major.
June 1981
The story begins for the current band, which – kitted out in fancy dress, known as the Tyneside Tipplers and led by David Murray – plays at the Haddington Festival Parade.
1750
Engraving by R Mabon of town piper James Livingstone, town drummer Andrew Simpson, and local ‘worthy’ Harrie Barrie.
1572
First ‘official’ record of a town drummer.
1542
Haddington town records include mention of a town piper.
15th Century
Carving of a piper on a buttress at St Mary’s kirk.