Bands
Stromness R.B.L.
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Band Name: Stromness Royal British Legion Pipe Band Established: 1980 Grade: 4b Tartan: Sinclair of Ulbster Pipe Major: Mark Wemyss Lead Drummer: TBA Drum Major: N/A Secretary: Ian MacDonald Location: Stromness, Orkney Isles Practice Info: Stromness Academy, Mondays 1900 - 2100, Website: www.stromnesspipeband.co.uk The band was formed in 1980 through the enthusiasm of the late Bill Baillie, an Occidental Oil Company employee on Flotta. The band’s membership initially came from the Flotta workforce and took the name Occidental Pipe Band, and then later the Claymore Pipe Band (after one of the oilfields). It extended its recruitment beyond the workforce and obtained new sponsorship from the Stromness branch of the Royal British Legion in 1985 and took on its present name. The band currently has a strong membership and welcomes new members whether beginners on experienced players. The band meets in Stromness Academy on Mondays for learners and Wednesdays for full band practice. Since becoming a Legion Band the opportunity has arisen for several trips south to take part in Legion events, such as, Beating Retreat on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Queen's Golden Jubilee march along Princes Street and a Royal parade at Holyrood Palace. In May 2004 we formed part of the massed bands for granting of the Freedom of the City of Perth to the Royal British Legion Scotland and D-day Commemoration. In 2001 the band went abroad for the first time visiting Norway for 10 days. In January 2007 we joined the RSPBA–NOS Branch giving us the opportunity to compete and meet other bands from the North. The band has also entered Royal British Legion Mini Band and Solo piping competitions. |
