Formed in 1966, Milngavie Pipe Band is a Grade 3B competition band with a long history in the town and a strong presence on the Scottish pipe band circuit.
The band is led by Pipe Major Alex Graham and Leading Drummer Graeme Maxwell. It performs an ambitious and varied repertoire, competes at major championships and events across Scotland, and also takes part in local and international performances throughout the year.
Alongside competition, the band maintains a strong social and community character, with a mixture of experienced players, developing musicians and long-standing members.
Our History
Milngavie Pipe Band was founded in 1966 and has been closely associated with the Corbie Ha’ on Ashfield Road since its earliest days.
When the band was formed, John Buchanan, then Provost of Milngavie, helped secure the use of the hall for the new organisation. In recognition of his support, the band wears Ancient Weathered Buchanan tartan, which remains part of its uniform today.
The band has retained a notable degree of continuity throughout its history. Some of those involved in its early years remain part of the organisation, including our President Hector Cruikshank, who has served the band for six decades and continues to tutor developing pipers each week.
This history was recognised by the Scottish Parliament in a motion marking Milngavie Pipe Band’s 60th anniversary.
Milngavie also has a long competitive record. The band was achieving Grade 3 success by 1969, became Grade 2 World Champions in 1974, and won the Grade 3B European Championship in 2022.
The trophies displayed around the Corbie Ha’ reflect part of that competitive history, alongside the contribution made by generations of pipers, drummers, tutors and volunteers.
Our Home in Milngavie
The Corbie Ha’ has been the band’s home since 1966 and remains our main rehearsal, teaching and social space.
On practice nights, the hall is used by competition players, developing musicians, tutors and members of the band. Teaching remains an important part of the organisation, with experienced members supporting learners and developing players as they work towards the standard required for band performance and competition.
The band also continues to play an active role in the local community, performing at gala days, parades and other events in and around Milngavie.
The Corbie Ha’ is centrally located and is a short walk from Milngavie railway station, making it easily accessible from Glasgow and the surrounding area.
The band practises every Monday and Thursday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and visitors or prospective members are welcome to attend practices to meet the band.
The hall is also available to hire for community events and private functions.
International Connections
In addition to its competition programme in Scotland and the UK, Milngavie Pipe Band regularly performs at a number of international festivals and events.
Recent overseas appearances have included France, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. These visits have formed an important part of the band’s wider performance programme and have helped establish long-standing friendships with musicians and organisations elsewhere in Europe.
The band also attracts players from outside Scotland, including members based overseas who travel to Milngavie to rehearse, perform and compete.
These international links sit alongside the band’s local identity and reflect the wider network of friendships and musical connections built up over many years.
The Band Today
Milngavie Pipe Band currently combines an established group of experienced players with a growing number of newer members and developing musicians.
Musical direction is led by Pipe Major Alex Graham, supported by Pipe Sergeant Lou Reid, and Leading Drummer Graeme Maxwell.
The band places a strong emphasis on developing its sound, repertoire and ensemble performance. Practices focus on both competition preparation and broader musical development, with players working on increasingly challenging and varied material.
Recent seasons have also brought further competitive success, including strong championship performances at the Cowal Gathering.
Alongside its competition programme, the band continues to teach developing pipers and drummers, perform locally, travel internationally and maintain the Corbie Ha’ as its permanent home.
Six decades after its formation, Milngavie Pipe Band remains an active part of the musical and community life of Milngavie.
