That’s because two local pipers have formed of the Third Barrhead and District Pipe Band.

Friends Iain Grant and Jamie Mitchell had spoken at great length for a number of years about the possibility of reforming the former Third Barrhead and Rover Scout Pipe.

They tested the water and found that there was a great deal of interest in Barrhead to get a new band up and running after the original fell by the wayside in 1963 due to the prominence and success of the nearby Neilston and District Pipe Band.

Founder Iain Grant, who is also pipe major in the group, explained: “It is something I had wanted to do for a while.

“Myself and my friend and co-founder of the band, Jamie Mitchell, had several discussions over wherever or not it was possible and it came to the point where we decided, ‘lets get it done’.

“Jamie used his influence in the Scouts to see who would be interested in taking part and forming part of the band and there was a great deal of feedback.

“The original band disappeared a number of years ago when a lot of members went to join Neilston and District Pipe Band — and with the timing we thought it would be a great opportunity historically to mark 40 years since the club stopped to get it back up and running.” Hours of work behind the scenes eventually prompted the emergence of Barrhead’s only pipe band in October last year.

Since then the band has gone from strength to strength whilst incorporating musicians of all ages, ranging from nine-year-olds all the way up to those in their mid-70s.

With the band now well and truly up and running, Iain admitted he has high hopes for the future, adding: “We have around 30 to 35 members now, but we are always on the look out for new members.

“We are the only band in Barrhead and my personal aim is to be able to get us playing to a level where we can compete whereas other bands play on a non-competitive basis.” With the band being relatively new Iain is under no illusions that it may take a number of years for them to bed in.

The ambitious pipe major hopes to be able to provide tuition to those who wish to take up the pipes — as well as providing them with the necessary instruments for keen youngsters.

He revealed: “There are currently five of us teaching the pipes to 17 people.

“It is hard work but it is all worth it at the end of the day when you see them making progress.

“My aim is to provide instruments to those under 16, at which point they will need to cover their own costs.

“We act non-discriminately and welcome people from all backgrounds, and will help anyone as much as we possibly can to take up the pipes or drums.” Third Barrhead and District Pipe Band currently meet at St Luke’s High School every Tuesday from 7.30pm. For more information contact Iain Grant, pipe major, on 07751180684.