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Historic Borders Pipe Band Facing Challenges in Recruiting New Players | ITV News
Section: Historic Borders pipe band facing challenges in recruiting new players | ITV News
Galashiels Ex Service Pipe Band will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year but says fewer people are taking up the hobby. | ITV News Border.
Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band will celebrate its 125th birthday next year, but it’s encouraging new people to join after a few years of struggling to recruit new members - an issue they say is affecting bands across the country.
Established in 1901 following the conclusion of the First Boer War, Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band is one of the oldest bands in Scotland.
Pipe Major William Easson says that for long enough, he was the youngest member at thirty years old and that it’s vital more young people join if the band is to have a future.
He said, “It’s something that every band in the Borders, and probably throughout Scotland, seems to be struggling with. Struggling to get kids involved and picking up new hobbies.
‘We’ve tried a number of things; we tried fliers in primary schools and high schools asking if anyone would like to get involved and learn a new instrument but over the 2000 fliers that went out - we didn’t get a single person.’
Pipe bands across the Scottish Borders - including a further two in Galashiels - have had to fold in recent years after they failed to maintain the numbers needed to survive…
Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band
Established in 1901 following the conclusion of the first Boer War, Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band is one of the oldest bands in Scotland and the World with a rich history documented in our “About Us” section. Throughout the years, we’ve been a fixture at numerous festivals across England and Scotland, particularly during the vibrant summer season when we actively participate in local events like the Braw Lads Gatherings.
Our presence at longstanding celebrations such as the Armadale Children’s Gala Day is a testament to our enduring commitment. Available for both public and private functions, including weddings, engagements, funerals, and festivals, our band offers a versatile range of services. Whether you require the full ensemble or individual pipers, we strive to accommodate all requests with professionalism and excellence.