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Resurgent Sutherland pipe band to parade for first time in two years this weekend


By Niall Harkiss

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Dornoch Pipe Band are set to return after a two year break with a parade starting at Dornoch Square on May 28.
Dornoch Pipe Band are set to return after a two year break with a parade starting at Dornoch Square on May 28.

Weekly parades will return to Dornoch Square on Saturday May 28 with the re-commencement of the pipe band’s summer programme.

Former in 1926, Dornoch Pipe Band make their return after a two year break due to Covid-19.

Pipe Major William Fraser, the 2021 recipient of the Dornoch Area Community Champion award, said "It’s great to be able to get the band back together and performing in the town following these difficult times. Several other pipe bands have not been so fortunate and have folded because of the pandemic.

"Unfortunately during this time, the band sadly lost a couple of their stalwarts and they will be in our thoughts as we strike up the band for the first time.

"I am pleased to see so many old faces back within our ranks but would also like to welcome our new young members of the band who I hope will enjoy the parades as much as we do.

"We took the decision to concentrate on our Saturday Evening parades this year along with Games Day and the Jubilee celebrations this will give us enough to get back into the normal routine."

The band will welcome several new young members to the band.
The band will welcome several new young members to the band.

Band parades will commence at 8pm on a Saturday evening from High Street with the band marching along Bridge Street into Dornoch Square where they will perform several sets of tunes until a short break around 8:30pm.

Thereafter, young dancers from the Mary Watt School of Highland Dancing will take the stage whilst the band catches its breath before reforming and playing on until 9pm.

East Sutherland councillor Jim McGillivray said: "May I extend a very warm welcome to Dornoch Pipe Band helping us emerge from the shadows of Covid to once again brighten up our summer Saturday evenings, to the delight of both locals and visitors alike.

"For many years they have provided an atmospheric central showpiece to Dornoch Square, and, for me at least, the last night with the lone piper high up on the castle ramparts piping in the onset of Autumn and Winter never fails to bring a lump to the throat.

"Welcome back guys, you have been sorely missed!"

Performances will continue throughout the year until the traditional finale event on Saturday September 10 when a lone piper will close the season from the roof of Dornoch Castle Hotel.

As with many pipe bands Dornoch are always on the lookout for new members to boost their compliment of pipers and drummers, please get in contact with the band in person, on Facebook or via their website.


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