Dingwall Pipe Band hoping to drum up new players amid fears of folding
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A PLEA for help to survive has gone out from a famous Ross-shire pipe band.
The Dingwall Royal British Legion is in danger of folding altogether unless new players are found or former member return to the ranks.
Chairman Jonnie Martin is sending out a clarion call for help.
He said: “The Dingwall Pipe Band was founded in 1936 but after 18 months of inactivity through Covid and the departure of many members who have left the area to attend university, we now find ourselves perilously close to collapse.
“We still have a wonderful group of young players, many under the age of 15, who are instructed and led by the amazing and ever-present Donald Armstrong, who has played in the band for 54 years and is now in his late 80s.
“Sadly now only Donald and one of the drummers hail from Dingwall.We recently played at a Highland Hospice fundraiser in Dingwall and launched the Maggies cycle ride.
“However we had to decline starting the Loch Ness Marathon because of limited numbers and at the moment we can’t commit to doing the Remembrance Sunday March in Dingwall unless the playing numbers swell.”
He wants to see pipers and drummers step forward: “It would be a great loss to the local community and be very upsetting to our regular players should the final curtain fall on the band.”
Rehearsals at Dingwall Town Hall resumed two weeks ago and will continue every Thursday evening from 7.15pm to 8.45pm.
There is no charge for joining or rehearsal and the band would welcome the return of former members and warmly encourage any new players.
Anyone interested can simply turn up on Thursdays at the Town Hall or contact the band through Dingwall Pipe Band Facebook page or email dingwallpipeband@gmail.com
