Officially the best
Published 3 Dec 2009 06:00
0 Comments
Share this
HADDINGTON Pipe Band was on Sunday named the best pipe band in Scotland, after receiving huge support from all over the world.
The county favourites won various heats and then an online public poll to claim the title of 'Scottish Pipe Band of the Year' at the coveted Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2009 in Dumfries.
The band, who took to the streets of Haddington last month to drum up support, beat fellow finalists Boghall & Bathgate, Strathclyde Police, and Inveraray Pipe Bands following the public vote.
re impressive as their final rivals are all 'competition' bands while Haddington exists solely to benefit the community.
Pipe Major David Leckie said of the win: "This is unbelievable.
"Just to be nominated alongside such wonderful bands was an honour for us, and to come away with the award really is beyond anything we could have hoped for.
"Our nomination, which was also totally unexpected, came because of the community and charity work we do, and because of the teaching and encouragement we give to youngsters and many others.
"It's great that a band whose focus is on the community level rather than the competing scene should have been nominated and now won this title.
"We have had wonderful support from local people, so many of whom voted for us and passed on the news to families and friends worldwide so that the good name of Haddington and East Lothian could reach many corners of the globe. We are very grateful indeed."
Votes for Haddington Pipe Band came from all over the globe, including Australia, Iraq, Norway, Peru and the United States.
The award, sponsored by the National Piping Centre, was collected by Mr Leckie and fellow founding member Bill Bradford.
The weekend-long event, broadcast on BBC ALBA, featured acts such as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and an attempt to break the world record for the world's largest Scottish reel.
Added Mr Leckie: "The awards ceremony was an emotional occasion for us.
"We were honoured to represent our town and county and we hope we have done them, and the many people who have led, played in, and supported the band over the years proud.
"We now look forward to continuing to play for the local community - with a new spring in our step - over the coming months and years."
l Band members (pictured above with the trophy) celebrate their success
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
