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The idea of forming a pipe band in the town of Leyland took root round the bar of one of the local hostelries, namely the “Original Ship Inn” run by Mr Alan Bilsborough. A group of exiled Scots were complaining that another New Years Eve had passed (1969 to be exact) and they hadn’t had a piper to help them celebrate in the traditional way.
Now maybe it was the lasting effects of the spirits at the aforesaid festivities that prompted them but it was decided to resolve the situation and so as the band was then known "The Leyland Scottish Pipes and Drums" became, not an idea, but a reality.
With Mr Alan Bilsborough as Chairman/Drum Major and Mr Alec Bolton as secretary they set about recruiting experienced players and prospective pipers and drummers willing to learn. Within a few months the basis of the band had taken shape with a membership of 5 pipers, 2 snare, 1 bass & 2 tenor drummers plus a few willing learners. The band played at its first engagement in 1970 and for the next 3 years gradually improved.
In 1973 it was decided to put the band on a proper basis and Bob Scott was appointed Pipe Major. Engagements started to increase and with it the membership so that by 1976 our second hand uniforms were looking a little bit worse for wear and not enough to go round. That was the cue to go all out to raise the necessary funds to re equip the band and 2 years later we were resplendent in full Highland Dress of Royal Stewart Tartan.
The Band has had its ups and downs over the years with players coming and going and when Mr Bilborough retired in 1987 we moved to the Conference Centre at Sharow Green Hospital In Preston. 1992 saw the band changing its title to co-inside with the town becoming a city, the new name being “The City of Preston Pipes and Drums”.
The band does not compete at competitions but is well known throughout the North West performing at Festivals, Weddings and Church Parades etc. We can supply solo piper, mini or full band to suit most occasions. Broughton Primary School is the base for practice each Tuesday evening and we are always looking to attract new members, experienced pipers, drummers and learners are welcome and excellent tuition is available This has been a short resume of the history but the experiences and pleasure we all have with the band is another story.
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