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As you would expect for band that have been in existence for over thirty
years they have a number of established gigs that they perform every year.
The band take it as a matter of some pride that their performance at these
events is of a such a high standard that they are asked back again and again.
The band is primarily a non competing social band and therefore most of our
gigs are made up of local gala days and festivals. These are generally great
events to play at because everyone is out to have a good time. The band does
however take part in the competitions for best band held at the Strathaven
and Sanquhar outings and is proud to have won these on several occassions.
The following list is ordered by the usual date of the event.
Chapelton Gala Day
Chapelton is a small village about two miles west of Strathaven along the
road to East Kilbride. The village Gala is
usually held on the first Saturday in June. The parade normally starts at
around noon and begins at the green down by the main road and winds its way
through the village to finish in the park up by the bowling green.
Strathaven Gala day
This is the bands home parade and keenly anticipated by all members of the
band. Strathaven's Gala Day brings out many of Strathaven's 5000 or so
residents, plus many people from the surrounding villages. Also many people
who used to live in Strathaven make a return to the village on the Gala day
to see family and friends and enjoy the congenial atmosphere. The Gala day is
usually held on the second Saturday in June. The pipe band head up the large
parade which usually leaves from Station road at about noon. It then snakes
through the town before coming through, the always packed, green and on to
the bandstand in the park. At over an hour of playing (plus all the tuning up
before hand) this is one of the bands longest gigs and the retiral to a local
ale house for a reviving beer is always welcome, as is, of course, the
ceilidh that follows.
In the week prior to the gala the pipe band can usually be heard on the
Tuesday and Thursday night playing for the local Sheltered housing and old
peoples homes throughout Strathaven.
The band lead the Strathaven Gala day parade. For more pictures of the band
at the Strathaven Gala day over the years click Here
Motherwell Gala Day(Colvilles park)
The Motherwell Gala day has as its focal point a gala in the Colvilles Park complex. A fun fair atmosphere
and the attractive setting of the complex make this an enjoyable experience
for the band. The gala is usually held on the third saturday in June with the
parade kicking off around 11am.
Ferniegair Gala Day
Ferniegair is a small village situated midway between Larkhall and Hamilton.
Its small gala is typically held on the last saturday in June and starts
around noon.
East Kilbride Agricultural Show
The East Kilbride Agricultural show usually takes place on the last saturday
in June. This is perhaps the bands most dangerous gig as it usually leads the
prize winners parade. This involves marching in front of several tons of
muscle on the hoof in the shape of cows, sheep and the very impressive
Clydesdale horses. We can only hope their handlers have them well under
control. Every year the drummers ask if they can lead the band for this
parade and every year the Pipe Major refuses !!
Sanqhar Ridings
Undoubtedly the bands favourite 'away' gig. Deep in south Ayrshire the village of Sanqhar keeps up the age old tradition
of an annual ridings. The colourful sight of the horses and riders contrasts
with the kilted pipers and uniformed silver and accordian bands as they
makeup what must be one of the most colourful parades in the country. The
Ridings usually take place in early August. The band play for the parade and
then later compete in the main arena for the best band prize which Strathaven
have won in the past. After that there is just time for a beer or two and
some piping in the local pubs before the massed bands parade. Here the pipe
bands all join together and indeed sometimes join ranks with the silver bands
to play together. It is a spectacular sight and the crowds fill the streets
to see and hear it. After the presentation of the prizes there is usually
time for another beer before the journey north.
Strathaven Agricultural Show
An easy gig for the Strathaven based members of the band as it is held at a
farm just outside Strathaven on the A71. After playing for a while the band
will then pipe the main prize winners parade in....usually to the strains of
the tune Colins Cattle...
Rememberance Sunday Parade
The band always lead of the Strathaven Rememberance Sunday Parade. Marching
from Station road up to the Cenetaph the band lead representatives of the war
veterans and local civic groups. One of the pipers will take the duty of
playing the Flowers of the Forest lament at
the cenetaph.
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