HADDINGTON Pipe Band is preparing for one of the biggest nights in its 30-year history next Saturday (November 5) when it holds a concert to launch its first CD, 'The Haddington Turnpike - and Other Great Pipe Tunes'.

The group will take to the stage at the Corn Exchange to launch the 14-track CD - which contains 33 tunes - produced by Cockenzie-based Greentrax Records.

Featuring Caitlin Bruce (clarsach), Coreen Scott (vocals) and Jim Wilson (accordion), among the popular tunes on the album is 'The Haddington Turnpike' - written by Bruce Thomson which won the band's international competition in 2009 to find a 'pipe anthem' for East Lothian.

Other tunes include 'Farewell to the Creeks', 'The Green Hills of Tyrol', 'Lochanside', 'Cock of the North', 'The Piper's Waltz', 'The Drunken Piper', 'Highland Cathedral', 'Kil-worth Hills', and 'Scotland the Brave'.

David Leckie, the band's pipe major, said: "We were a bit overwhelmed to be given the offer of producing a CD by Ian Green of Greentrax, and so have worked extremely hard over a number of months on the proposed tunes.

"The actual recording was done at the Bridge Centre in Haddington over an intense but very enjoyable weekend in September.

"We are very happy with the final result and hope many people will enjoy the CD which is, unashamedly, a selection of popular tunes - marches, slow airs, strathspey, reel and jig - because that's what this band is all about. Many of the tunes will be well known to those who hear the album and to those who have heard the band playing." The CD will be on sale at the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, for an introductory price of �10. It will also be available at various outlets in Haddington, via the band's website - www.hadding tonpipeband.co.uk - and from Greentrax.

Mr Leckie added: "Producing this CD has been a wonderful and memorable thing for the band in our 30th anniversary year. As with our 2011 calendar and other initiatives, it is also aimed at raising much-needed funds so that we can continue to buy instruments and uniforms and run the band." Tickets for the concert cost �2 for adults and are free for children. They are available from band members and from Joe Forte Sports, Erica's, the Waterloo Bistro, and Watson's of Haddington.