DUT, Royal Burgh of Stirling merge

The Grade 1 David Urquhart Travel Pipes & Drums and the Grade 2 Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band have officially combined, with the intention of competing in Grade 1 in 2007, putting to rest persistent rumours of the merger.

The name of the band has not been decided, but will be announced the week of August 14, according to sources.

The Pipe-Major will be David McRobert and the Leading-Drummer Gary Killens. McRobert was pipe-major of Royal Burgh of Stirling’s Grade 2 band.

“We will have bands in Grade 1, 4A and Novice Juvenile, and our intention will be to progress all of these bands as well as expanding our existing teaching structure,” McRobert said. “This is a great thing for both bands and the pipe band world as a whole, ending a trying time for both bands.”

David Urquhart Travel effectively lost its pipe section after the departure of Pipe-Major Chris Armstrong when he took over the ScottishPower Pipe Band in the fall of 2005. Only a few weeks before the first 2006 RSPBA championship, Royal Burgh of Stirling lost its entire drum section.

“I am looking forward moving all the bands forward with the organization going from strength to strength and look to have all the bands competing next year,” McRobert continued.

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