The Bandsman of the Year Award for 2015 is not given to an individual, but to all of you that have given the power of our music to the community outside of the band schedule. Whether it’s at a school Remembrance assembly, a town Memorial Day Service, a remote cairn, a fireman’s funeral, a block party, a charity curling bonspiel, a school graduation, etc., etc., you are providing a very special service that very few can do. Sometimes we may groan when asked to play Amazing Grace, but we have to remember it moves, it soothes, it comforts, and it will be associated with that occasion for a long time. We should always execute it to the best of our ability and give it the respect it deserves. You are a credit to your art. You appear at functions on time, well-dressed, and you have enough experience to know to play within your ability. You’re keeping our Scottish heritage vibrant and in the public eye. I am proud to see you wanting to do these functions and doing them well…trust me, I hear the compliments. So, thank you and congratulations. You each have to wear the dirk on 1 parade next year!!

Wanda Goundrey
Pipe Major