A COMPETITION which brings thousands of people to Dunbar is finally returning after a four-year absence.

The annual Dunbar Pipe Band Championships was a popular event attracting bands from across the globe.

However, it was sidelined by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022, and then cancelled last year due to a funding shortage.

Bobby Peters, manager of Hallhill Sports Centre, where the event is held, was delighted to confirm it would be returning next month.

Details of which bands are performing on May 13 are still to be confirmed but Mr Peters said: “It is good to see it back.”

Last year, Mr Peters told the Courier that the event needed between £8,500 and £9,000 of funding to go ahead.

Already, grants have been made by EDF Energy, which manages Torness Power Station, and SSE, which is behind the proposed Berwick Bank Wind Farm, planned for off the coast of East Lothian.

A further application is with Dunbar Community Council but Mr Peters confirmed that the event would go ahead regardless.

However, he warned that next year would prove another challenging one to secure the funding necessary to see the event continue.

Mr Peters added: “Last year, when we had to cancel the event, a lot was said on social media about its cancellation.

“Yet here we are, struggling to get enough volunteers to help.

“The money raised at this event goes straight back into your centre and will benefit all the clubs and facility users.”