Oldham’s pipers thrill Edinburgh festival crowds

THE band prepares to start the march down Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile

OLDHAM’S pipers have been flying the flag in front of tens of thousands of cheering people - in Edinburgh!

They joined the international “Pipefest” parade, joining musicians from across the world to march through the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile and past Holyrood House.

Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, formed in 1926, took 22 members to the event. Ages ranged from seven to 76 and they joined pipers from as far afield as Spain, USA ,Canada and Norway

Band chairman Mike Carney said: “It was a brilliant atmosphere — we met bands from all over the world.”

The band meets at the Polish Club in Chamber Road and was formed by Scots who came to work in the cotton mills, adopting the tartan of the Seaforth Highlanders.

The pipers are a popular fixture at local charity events.

Mr Carney said: “The pipes are an emotional instrument. Once people hear them, they want to play them.”

Interested in joining? Contact Graham Houghton (07973 120 584).