A HUGELY successful band, who have played across the world to famous faces, will mark a milestone anniversary with a gig in Haddington.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers will toast 25 years in 2027 with plans for tours on either side of the globe.
And in amongst those dates will be a performance in Neilson Park as part of the town's festival, Goatfest.
Kevin MacDonald, who has been part of the band since its inception, was looking forward to the homecoming gig.
He said: “It is incredible.
“You can get changed in the house and walk down – that’s the dream gig of all time!
“It is just nice to have the ability to bring a band like us to Haddington and let people see even though there is the success there is still an element of humility.
“It is nice to bring the band back to the area.
“The last time we did something was the 700-year anniversary in Haddington and it is a good few years since we did that.”
The band was formed in 2002 but became internationally famous five years later after winning the BBC talent show, 'When Will I Be Famous?'
Mr MacDonald, who is a chartered accountant by day and piper by night, and still lives in Haddington, said that hundreds of gigs later he still got the same buzz performing to a packed audience.
He said: “Anybody that says they don’t is lying!”
Before the end of the year, the band has almost a dozen gigs dotted across Britain.
Then, it is on to marking the 25th anniversary.
Mr MacDonald, who admitted that the band would love to tour South America, said: “We are looking to head off to Australia and New Zealand.
“From there, there will be a UK tour and head on to Germany.
“We plan to do a European tour and then head off to the States for some big gigs.
“This year alone, we are, at the moment, contracted for 182 shows.
“Last year it was 180 and I would assume next year it will be the same if not slightly more.
“It is an incredible feat and achievement for a pipe band to be in that demand.”
Goatfest was launched in 2023 and brings together live music, food and drink.
Organised by the town’s rugby club, it has gone on to become a staple of the town’s social calendar.
Bob Snodgrass, who has been involved since the start, was delighted that the Red Hot Chilli Pipers would be performing.
Also confirmed for the event on May 22 are The Tones, Dean Jones, Jim Smart, Jack Rowberry, G Funk and Aberlady Sessions.
Tickets for Goatfest will go on sale before the end of the year.
Mr Snodgrass said: “We are absolutely delighted – over the moon.
“We cannot wait to have the Chillis and we are really, really happy.”
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