History

After a period of having no band in the town, members of previous bands came together to form a new Aberbrothock band in 1972. The band under the leadership of Pipe Major Tom Dear, undertook fundraising and along with support from Arbroath Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, purchased uniforms and instruments. The affiliation with the Arbroath Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland was strengthened in 1974 when the band changed its name to Arbroath RBLS Pipe Band.

The steady flow of new members to the pipe corps came through a teaching class held in Arbroath High School. Tuition of pipes was given by Tom Dear, Dave McKenzie and John McDougall.

Pipe Majors George Rogers, then Willie Dickson took the band into competition level progressing into grade 3 in 1977. Pipe Majors Willie Christie and Colin McDonald continued the good work with the band before Pipe Major Ryan Kennedy and Leading Drummer George Black again took the band into competitions in 1997.

Success came when the Novice Juvenile band was upgraded to Juvenile grade in 1999, which was an excellent achievement following one season of competition.

When Ryan and his wife moved to Australia in 2006, the Pipe Majors position was taken over by Scott Phillips then Michael Thain before Ryan returned in 2009. 2011 saw Ryan jet off to Dubai leaving the leadership in the hands of Stephen Russell and Stuart Peters.

As well as competing the band continues to represent the Arbroath Branch at British Legion events throughout Scotland as well as playing at local and national events.

Here is a selection of pictures of the band and helpers who have supported the band through the years.

If anyone has any pictures of the band over the past 40 years we would be happy to include them in our history gallery