SUPPORT is being drummed up to save a local pipe band.

West Linton and District Pipe Band have issued a last ditch attempt to keep going, by raising £1,000, recruit new members, and search for a new sponsor.

The band started in 1975 after an idea from a local pipe major who had come out of retirement who wanted to take on enthusiastic youngsters. 

As this was the first pipe band for the village, everything was done from scratch. 

Pipes were purchased by parents, second hand drums were bought, a drumming instructor was recruited, and uniforms were purchased at a great expense.

Fast forward to 2018, and this is still the case for the band. 
Some things have been replaced, but gradually funds have dropped, membership has dropped, equipment is old, dated and heavy, plus uniforms are also mismatched and not suitable for young children.

Sophie Stenhouse, Pipe Band committee member, told the Peeblesshire News: “We have started a Go Fund Me page, and the people of West Linton have been brilliant at supporting it with lots of generous donations and raffle prizes that have also been donated for our upcoming raffle. 

“We are still looking for a potential sponsor for our pipe band, as well as any other donations or raffle prizes would be greatly appreciated.

“Mr Dripps has been in the pipe band for over 35 years and is one of the only original members. The pipe band is something he feels strongly about. 

“He has given up many hours over the years to ensure the pipe band continues to progress, offering extra tuitions when students needed some extra help.

“A young member of the pipe band stressed that it is a very important aspect of his life, giving him much needed confidence and the hope of being able to enter into competitions.

“This is a last attempt to try and save our local pipe band. 

“They are so important in the community, supporting our Whipman Week, as well as the Beltane week in Peebles.”

The band also held a race night fundraiser on March 24 at The Gordon Arms in West Linton.

To make a donation to the band, visit: www.gofundme.com/west-linton-and-district-pipe-band.

Anyone interested in joining the group can email Jimmy Dripps at jimmydripps@btinternet.com.