The First Fifty

Formed in 1902 in the village of Torphichen near Bathgate and originally known as Torphichen Pipe Band, the band is one of the oldest continuously operational serving Pipe Bands in the world, and flourished during both World Wars.

One of the earliest pictures can be seen opposite, this picture was taken in 1908 at Torphichens first ever Gala Day. The picture was taken at the foot of the Low Brae and pictures Robert Nelson (right) and Peter Battision (left) on horseback followed by the band.

Having been formed in the village of Torphichen and through its connections, it is affiliated to the order of the Knights of St John, and carries its emblem the Maltese cross, on its ties and Bass drum, together with specially designed Pipe Major & Pipe Sergeant Drone banners.

1960 - 1985

Over the years the band initially wore the Green hunting Stewart tartan followed in the late 60's by the Bruce tartan owing to it's historical connection in Bathgate, Robert the Bruce's daughter princess Margaret lived in a castle in the town.

Pictured is the band during the 1960's playing at Armadale Gala Day under Pipe Major George Montgomery and Leading Drummer William Waddell. Also playing is this band was Bob Martin, who went on to success as the Pipe Major of Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia when they started in 1972. Other former Torphichen and Bathgate players heavily involved in the initial Boghall and Bathgate setup included Bobby Allan and Kenny Watson.

Since its inception, the Band has nurtured some wonderful pipers such as Donald Shaw Ramsay, Roderick McCourt (of Wolfestone fame) and The Queens piper Gordon Webster. The band through Pipe Major Alex Samuel, were instrumental in starting the Bathgate Highland Games in 1973 and still have a large involvement to this day.

During the 1970's the band also formed a Novice Juvenile band, which was the starting point for the bands longest serving member Fergus Philip, still a piper in the band today.

Pictured is the first ever Bathgate Highland Games in 1973 under Pipe Major Alex Samuel and Leading Drummer Jim Baxter.

As the band progressed through the late 1970's into 1980 silverware was becoming very familiar to both the Grade 2 band, as well as the Novice Juvenile band. This picture was taken in 1980 with both bands displaying their silverware.

After the untimely death of Pipe Major Alex Samuel the Grade 2 band stumbled through the next few years changing Pipe Majors on a frequent basis. Initially the band was led by Alex brother Neil Samuel until 1981 when Pipe Major David Barnes took over. David stayed for two seasons but brought success immediately taking the band to Grade 2 Champion of Champions winning the Cowal Championship title in his first season.

After David Barnes departed the Grade 2 band was led by Pipe Major Jimmy Drummond and Leading Drummer Billy Stirling and the Novice band by Pipe Major Robert Drummond and Leading Drummer Sandra Lamont. This leadership only lasted a small period of time before the band would retire into another period of hibernation, where it remained until 1986.

1986 - 2009

Until 1986 the band had worn the Bruce tartan. In 1986 that tartan was changed to the Modern Skye Tartan which the band still proudly wears today. Pictured opposite is the first wearing of the new tartan at Bathgate Gala Day in 1986.

The Grade 2 band went on to become World Champions in 1989 led by Pipe Major Mark Bennett and Leading Drummer Billy Stirling.

In 1989 the band won every championship in Grade 2 including the World Championships and gained promotion to Grade 1 in season 1990. Unfortunately our stay in Grade 1 was a brief one and it wasn't long before the band were back into Grade 2.

The Pipe Major role now filled by Gordon Stafford with Leading Drummer Billy Stirling. The following years proved to be tremendous years in the history of Torphichen and Bathgate with regular placing and victories in championships culminating in the band being promoted to back to Grade 1 status by 1994.

The picture shows the vast array of silverware accumulated by the band in 1994, quite simply a fantastic year for the band.

By 1996 the band sadly went into hibernation as the stresses of Grade 1 took its toll again. In 1996 Pipe Major Mark Bennett had returned to the band and it emerged with a much younger look. Again this lasted only a few seasons without much success.

In 2004, PM Gordon Stafford was asked to get the band going again, and with the help of Callum Firth and his magnificent Drum Corps who joined from Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia, along with a few old and new faces we managed to win a host of prizes throughout the first year.

2005 continued the way we left off in 2004; we were been placed in 4 of the 5 Major Championships, winning the British Championships. Our Drum Corps under Leading Drummer Callum Firth, also won the Champion of Champions in Grade 2.

2006 finished with an amazing trophy haul including placing in every championship and a World Championship title for Best Drum Corps and Best Bass Section for Callum and his corps.

The band also made its debut on the concert stage recording their first CD - The Curse of Uluru which we hope demonstrates some of the raw talent shown in the newest era of Torphichen and Bathgate Pipe Band.

2007 season began with 2nd Place at the Scottish championships. The drum corps once again showed its class by winning the Scottish, European and World title finishing Champion of Champions. The band also finished as the highest place Scottish band gaining 3rd place at the World Championships.

From the outset of 2008 things looked promising. 1st place at the Scottish championships. Onward south of the border and a fantastic British title for the band and the drum corps. Over the sea now to NI gaining 2nd place at the European championship to maintain the lead for the Champion of Champions title. A bad attack leaves an uphill struggle but the band still gained 3rd place to a brilliant performance from Bagad cap Caval. The Drum Corps again though hit top spot becoming World Champions. To the last Championship of the season with it all to play for at the top of the table. Good performances from both ends mean the band are crowned Cowal champions 2008 and Champion of Champions 2008 the drum corps are also crowned Champion of Champions and the band has realised its dream of competing in Grade 1 for the 2009 season.

2010

Once again, the Torphichen Pipe Major curse struck and Gordon Stafford parted company with the band after the World Championships in 2009, effectively ending the band's season for that year.

The majority of the pipe corps stayed with the band as did the drum corps and the search was on for a new Pipe Major to lead the band into 2010 and beyond.

It was decided to hold interviews and a panel was appointed consisting of Pipers and Drummers and in October 2009, Stuart Shedden was duly appointed as Pipe Major at the bands AGM. Stuart brought a wealth of piping experience with him having been a successful junior and senior competitor on the solo piping circuit (see profile).

One of the first things that Stuart did was insist on a return to traditional sheepskin bags for the pipers and a deal was also struck with the world renowned McCallum bagpipes to play their chanters for season 2010.

A Lottery grant was secured for the band through hard work and dogged determination by band Chairman Fergus Philip and his Wife and band Secretary Joliane and this has enabled the band to purchase new drums and uniforms for the band.

Everyone involved with the band is looking forward to the 2010 season which got of to a tremendous start on 8th May at Dunbar where the band took 1st place in front of Lothian and Borders Police.