A PEEBLESSHIRE pipe band hopes to drum up support with a fundraising event later this month.

In an attempt to keep the music going, members of West Linton’s Pipe Band are aiming to raise £1,000, recruit new musicians and find a new sponsor.

The band started in 1975 following 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.

And in 2018, this is still the case for the band.

Some things have been replaced, but gradually funds and membership have dropped, equipment has become old, dated and heavy, with uniforms also mismatched and not suitable for young children.

The group had originally planned to host its fundraising race night on March 24 in The Gordon Arms, but had to postpone the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

Now, nearly five months since the initial plans were drawn up, the group will eventually stage its fundraiser on Saturday, August 11, at 7pm in the West Linton Bowling Club.

And organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to come along.

Pipe Band Major Dougie told us: “We would like to thank everyone in our community for their support and efforts over the last few months in not only raising money but raising the profile of the band around the village.

“We are still looking for members to join our piping and drumming teams, so please get in touch, all ages and levels of experienced are welcomed.

“We are looking forward to our race night, a good chance for current members to socialise, raise funds and welcome and thank members of the community.”

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

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