A brief history...

In 1945 the 128th Glasgow Company of the Boys' Brigade formed a pipe band. They were successful until the mid 1970's, when sadly their numbers dwindled to just two. In 1975 Andy, who had been a Lieutenant and a piper in a neighbouring B.B. Company, was asked to pick up the Pipe Major's reins and rejuvenate the band back to its old status.
Over the decades this former status was reached, then duly surpassed. The time came when boys became adults, who wanted to continue playing and also be a part of the maturing identity and culture.

As time went on further members of the church and the surrounding community decided that they wanted to be part of the success story, and joined. In the new millennium the band released their first CD, entitled “Oh Reely!”. This phrase was almost over-used within band circles, then it was noticed that many people out with the band used this comment upon being told about the CD. Although Williamwood have improved greatly and moved on since this recording, it gave the band something to be proud of as we strived to improve our standard. By the end of the 2001 season, Williamwood Pipe Band had started a second competing band under the leadership of Pipe Major Iain Melvin and Leading Drummer Jean McElholm. The band has since seen a major change in personnel and leadership and is now led by Pipe Major Andy Melvin and Leading Drummer Derek McLeish. The grade 4 band has got a large nucleus of young players with 16 pipers and drummers under the age of 18.

In 2002 the ‘A’ band lifted the World Championship Title, and were also crowned Grade 4B champion of Champions with 21 points. This resulted in promotion to Grade 4A. In the new grade, the band again lifted the World Championship Title and finished second in the Champion of Champions table with 22 points. This again resulted in a promotion to Grade 3B. 2005 was the bands 60th Anniversary, and saw some major changes occurring. Long serving Pipe Major Andy Melvin handed over the reigns at the end of the season to Pipe Sergeant Iain Wyper. In turn, Iain moved to secure Stuart Black as his Pipe Sergeant, who had been taking a year out in Australia. In the 2006 season, under Iain’s leadership, the band managed to secure promotion to grade 3A, winning the European Championships and coming second in the Scottish Championships.

In 2007 – the first year in 3A – the band managed some excellent results including the impressive feat of being crowned Cowal Champions. The band also managed 3rd place and the Scottish Championships and 4th at the British Championships. It’s remarkable to see how much the band has progressed over such a short period of time – from winning the World Championships in the lowest grade in 2002 to being crowned Cowal Champions in 2007 in grade 3A. From now, the band can only progress and we hope to see more silverware and promotions in the future.

For more information about any band event please feel free to email us.