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 it’s emblem the Maltese cross, on it’s ties and Bass drum, together with specially designed Pipe Major & Pipe Sergeant Drone banners.

The band pictured at Bathgate in 1930. Picture kindly donated by Ann Kerr. The band pictured in 1931. Picture kindly donated by Nancy Watson The band pictured in 1935 in the Loan. Picture kindly donated by Ann Kerr The band pictured in 1940’s. Pipe Major Donald Ramsey Shaw The band pictured in 1951 leaving Greenside. Picture kindly donated by Ann Kerr The band pictured in 1954 in the Loan. Picture kindly donated by Diane Young

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 left 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 it’s 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 s1970’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 Grade 2 band today.

Pictured opposite 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.

The Grade 2 band was lead 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 picture was taken in 1980 with both bands displaying their silverware. Pipe Major Davie Barnes took over the band in 1981 and took the band to Grade 2 Champion of Champions winning the Cowal Championship title in his first season.

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 above 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.

The future of the band looks healthy, and with the band performing so well, it is inevitable, that promotion back to Grade 1 is not too far away.

We all hope anyway!