The decline of the coal mining industry in Scotland between the late 1950s and 1980s resulted in the loss of most of the former colliery bands, a mainstay of competitions during their existence.  This had a significant affect on the East of Scotland which had had many colliery bands in the Lothians and Fife. Pictured above in 1974 are the former Grade 1 band, Polkemmet Colliery. To that problem we…

Having been a member of three East of Scotland pipe bands and involved with various others over more than 50 years I have built up some knowledge of many of them.  It would take a great deal of research to compile a detailed history, much of which might be difficult to find, so this article is more general. I apologise from the outset for anything, or any band or any…