West Lothian Schools Pipe Band were met with thunderous applause when they once again played on stage with renowned Celtic rock band Skerryvore last month.
The collaboration between the school pipers and the award-winning band has been an annual event for the last few years but had been put on hold by the pandemic – meaning this is the first time the two bands have played together since 2019.
Skerryvore is a Scottish Celtic rock group formed in Tiree, Argyll and Bute in 2004 – the band started off with Tiree brothers Daniel Gillespie and Martin Gillespie, alongside regular visitor Fraser West and his friend Alec Dalglish, both from Livingston.
Skerryvore played with the West Lothian School Band while on tour – making their way through Scotland, Germany and England.
Playing at the Howden Park Centre, the school pipe band gave their rendition of NHS Heroes, a song made especially to celebrate the weekly ‘clap for carers’.
West Lothian Schools Pipe Band formed in 2011 under Pipe Major Gordon Bruce, giving school pipers and drummers the opportunity to perform together.
In 2019, the band welcomed new Pipe Major Greig Canning, who led the band through the pandemic, before the role was taken over recently by Graham Drummond.
Graham Drummond, the pipe major of the school band and piping instructor for West Lothian Council, said: “The West Lothian School Pipe Band is open to any pupil interested in piping in West Lothian.
“I’m relatively new to the role so the concert with Skerryvore was a new experience for me.
“What a reception the band had. The whole crowd cheered and clapped as soon as they walked on stage, despite the fact we hadn’t advertised that we’d be there – we just kind of turned up and did it!
“The band knew exactly what they were doing and absolutely enjoyed it. It was great practice for upcoming performances.”
The band continues to be in demand for performances both in West Lothian and further afield, as well as representing the council at numerous civic events.
The band will take part in events including Linlithgow Marches and the World Pipe Band Championships on August 13.
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