INNERLEITHEN Pipe Band returned to the stage with a bang last week at the Memorial Hall.

On April 30 the band made a comeback with something for everyone.

The band was joined by dancers, guitarists, singers and a penny whistle, which all added a new dimension to the performances of traditional, family favourites and contemporary songs.

Reflecting on the Comeback Concert, pipe major Bruce Gillie said: “We have never done anything like this before.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, and dedication to get to this point but we all had a great time on the night, and we hope the audience liked what they saw. I think we probably surprised a lot of people tonight.

“We couldn’t have done this on our own though, and there has been a lot of help from a lot of people. There are too many people to name individually but we are grateful for all the help we have been given to make this a night to remember.”

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Hannah, Imogen and Leah from the Fiona Henderson School of Dance took to the stage and wowed audiences with their moves and costume changes.

Tom Hamilton was MC for the night. The former bagpiper for the band shared his vocal talent with a rendition of Killiecrankie.

A spokesperson for the band said: “The first half whet the appetite of a very receptive audience as the band gave their first public performance of their competition medley – shelved for two years due to COVID restrictions.

“Other acts included Skye Boat Song and the Gael (from the film Last of the Mohicans), where the contribution of Ally McGough on bass guitar and Ewan Ross on the penny whistle enhanced the performance.

“No introductions were required, as the band opened the second half with their version of Going Home from the film Local Hero.

“Lead drummer Craig Rendle picked up the guitar for this one and replicated the Mark Knopfler guitar solo perfectly.

“It was a great start to a fun-filled second half.”

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St Ronan’s Silver Band joined the band, with a mini band joining the pipers for a version of Bonnie Black Isle.

The stage was then aglow as the drummers brought their glow-stick ‘Fun Fare’.

The night ended with the dancers being joined by Robert “Flatley” Doherty during Lord of the Dance, then in Lion Sleep Tonight, before Tom Hamilton closed the night with his version of the Van Morrison song Irish Heartbeat.