Borthwick & District Pipe Band is a long established Community Pipe Band based in Gorebridge, Midlothian.
The band was founded in 1924 by residents of the then small community of Fushiebridge. As Borthwick Castle is a nearby famous landmark the Borthwick family at that time granted permission for their family name to be used as the name of the Pipe Band. Fushiebridge was demolished many, many years ago and the residents moved to the nearby villages of Arniston and Gorebridge. The band continued to grow from strength to strength and it was decided to continue with the established name of Borthwick & District.
We are not a competition band, we undertake bookings at local community events such as Village Fetes, Fun Days, Gala Days, opening of Bowling Greens, Gala Days, Weddings etc.
Currently we operate from Stobhill Primary School in Gorebridge. Chanter practice takes place on a Tuesday night. Drumming Tuition takes place on a Thursday and also band practice is held on a Thursday. Both nights we operate from 7pm – 9pm.
Over the past 4 years there has been many changes within the band and we are now looking to recruit new members, experienced pipers and drummers who may be looking to keep their hand in playing, not at competition level would be most welcome.
Borthwick & District Pipe Band has a long established link with a Trommel Corp in Hongen, Germany.
This year sees the 30th year of the link, during which times the German group have visited us here in Gorebridge 8 times, with us returning the visit with our 8th trip scheduled for June this year.
The exchange was first established through the twinning links initiated by Midlothian District Council, back in 1979. Our association with the German group must be one of the longest, if not the only original twinning to survive.
Many friends have been made over the years, with many of our German friends who first visited as young band members now returning with their own families who are now budding young members of their group.
Long may the link between the two groups continue.
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