Kintyre Schools Pipe Band kicks off 2025 season

In the freestyle event, band members added singers, flute, whistle, and a dancer, and performed a poignant version of The Hills of Argyll, the classic pipe tune with words written by Campbeltonian George McIntyre while he was a prisoner of war in the Far East during the Second World War.  

Piper Aidan Brodie provided some insightful narration and the band finished off its performance with a message by George McIntyre himself recorded after his five years in captivity.

One of the judges, Ali Hutton, referred to The Hills of Argyll as Campbeltown’s “national anthem” and all the judges enthused at the band’s excellence in delivering an inspiring production based on local history and tradition. 

Speaking to a large audience after the performance, Aiden explained that KSPB is a massive part of the lives of its members and of the local community and he thanked the Scottish Schools Piping & Drumming Trust for again putting on such a massive and enjoyable event.

Afterwards, Pipe Major Fiona Mitchell said: “The team has put in a lot of hard work over the past few weeks to make this happen. I’d like to say a big thank you to Lorne MacDougall for his help and support with our production. 

“We’re now looking forward to the outdoor season ahead and we are aiming high!”