Thurso pipe band set for a notable year as it marks its 110th anniversary
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THURSO and District Pipe Band is set for a notable year as it marks its 110th anniversary and embarks on a busy summer schedule with a new pipe major.
Fiona Gunn officially took over the role of pipe major this year but she is not the first member of her family to hold the post as her father Kevin was also a pipe major and stalwart of the band for many years. Kevin led the band from 1997-2009.
This year is also the 110th anniversary of the band and treasurer Arran King said "something will be done to mark the occasion" although nothing has yet been arranged. When the band celebrated its centenary in 2013, they went to Carlow in Ireland.
Meanwhile, the band has a busy schedule in the coming months and will be performing regularly in Princes Street on Saturdays throughout the summer. They will be playing there this Saturday and also on June 17, July 1, 8, 15 and 22 as well as on August 12 and 26.
They will also be appearing at the Halkirk Highland Games on July 29, the Mey Games on August 5 and at the Golspie Gala that night while they will be playing at the Helmsdale Games on August 19. Its performances attract locals and tourists alike.
The band was formed in 1913 by the late Alex Mackay of the town's St Clair Hotel and has been an asset to the town over the years. He was also its first pipe major.
The Thurso pipe band ceased during the Second World War but reformed in 1947 and were crowned champions at the inaugural event of the North of Scotland Pipe Band Championships held in Inverness. On the same occasion Drum Major Robert Hood won the Drum major contest. The band had many successes at the Dornoch Games, winning first prize on many occasions. The Invergordon Games attracted all the top bands in the north of Scotland and it is some measure of their ability when the records show that the Thurso Band took the honours on seven occasions.
It also competed regularly at the World Championships and the renowned Cowal Games and has travelled abroad, including a trip to the USA and Brilon in Germany – Thurso's twin town.
