THE skirl of the pipes helped mark a special day in the history of Scotland’s largest football fans’ movement.

Haddington Pipe Band played outside Heart of Midlothian FC’s Tynecastle Park on Saturday, January 27, ahead of the side’s 1-1 draw with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

More than 20 members of the band played outside the Edinburgh football club’s stadium to mark the Foundation of Hearts Foundation Day.

The not-for-profit organisation was set up in 2010 by a group of lifelong Jambos with a vision to bring the club back to the fans.

One of those who has been heavily involved in the group is Alastair Bruce.

The Haddington resident is one of the directors of the Foundation of Hearts, as well as chairman of the band’s board of trustees.

He told the Courier: “The Foundation of Hearts and the club organised the day to say thank you to Foundation of Hearts people and others who had contributed to help save the club with Ann Budge [club owner, CEO and chairwoman].

“We had quite a lot going on at Tynecastle and decided to get the band along to play as well to make a bit of a show.

“We were there to mark the opening of the Foundation Plaza, the area outside the new main stand.

“Donald Ford, who played for Hearts for years and Scotland, was one of the original Foundation of Hearts guys and he cut the ribbon.”

Mr Bruce told the Courier he had been going to Hearts games all his life and was delighted to be involved with the event.

The band were given free tickets to the game and transport was provided by bus firm Prentice of Haddington, whose managing director Ross Prentice is also a Jambo. 

Mr Bruce added: “It was a really special day and quite special for the band too. It was a good occasion – a bit different – and people enjoyed it.”