Published: Thursday, 11th March, 2010 6:00am

Not novices any more

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PRESTON Lodge Pipe Band made its first competitive appearance last week - and finished above established bands from some of Scotland's top private schools.

The PL pipers and drummers were the only state school band invited to take part in the prestigious event, held at Edinburgh's George Watson's College last Sunday.

The PL team finished a creditable 10th place, above school bands from Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh Academy, Strathallan, St Columba's and the host school George Watson's College.

Lee More, the Preston Lodge pipe tutor, said: "This is a fantastic result for our new band and a real credit to the pipers and drummers who have worked very hard to achieve success.

"To do so well on the first entry to the nerve racking world of competitive piping is brilliant."

The PL pipers and drummers are taught under a programme run by the East Lothian Pipes and Drums Trust which was set up to promote traditional music in as many of the county's schools as possible.

Nearly 200 youngsters the Prestonpans and Haddington cluster schools receive tuition.

Preston Lodge headmaster Gavin Clark said: "I am delighted that our school's pipe band took part in the Watson's invitational event and they did the school proud. 

"There is barely a day in the school when you don't hear pipes or drums emanating from one room or another, and the work of the East Lothian Pipes and Drums Trust has made a massive difference to the life opportunities of many of our students."

And David Johnston, a spokesperson for the ELPDT, added: "There is a great demand for piping and drumming in schools and our only regret is that our programme cannot cover the whole county.

"We are in talks with East Lothian Council and hope to be able to assist them in meeting the demand for piping and drumming tuition in all county schools."