The Allandale Pipeband
From humble beginnings in a kitchen to world champions - the remarkable story of Allandale Pipe Band and their journey to glory at the Cowal Games.
Foundation and Early Years
The Allandale Pipe Band was founded in 1933 by Pipe Major Malcolm McLachlan of the 7th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
He wanted to make Allandale aware of the bagpipes and also encourage the youngsters to learn the pipes and drums. He soon managed to gather a few enthusiasts for the band but there were no instruments, uniforms or money to buy them.
He appealed to the villagers to help raise the money and soon there were many fundraising activities going on. Mrs McLachlan even made toffee apples to sell to the children. A sum of £200 was raised and instruments and uniforms were bought, but they had no meeting place to practise until Mrs McLachlan let them use her kitchen night after night.
World Champions – 1938
The band went from strength to strength and in 1938 returned in triumph from the Cowal Games as world champions after winning the Lord Inverclyde Shield, the Sir Harry Lauder Shield, the Crozier Shield, 72 medals and a £10 cash prize.
War Service and Sacrifice
When war broke out in 1939, Malcolm McLachlan called upon the band to enlist, and as a body they marched to Bonnybridge and joined the Argylls, except for a few who were under age.
The pipers, as part of the 51st Highland Division, took part in the Battle of El Alamein where they piped the troops into battle. But the triumph was overshadowed by the death of Malcolm and his brother Ian. Another brother, Kenneth, was severely wounded in the battle.
Championship Victory – 1938
The band went from strength to strength and in 1938 returned in triumph from the Cowal Games as world champions after winning the Lord Inverclyde Shield, the Sir Harry Lauder Shield, the Crozier Shield, 72 medals and a £10 cash prize.
Post-War Revival
In February 1946 a meeting was held to revive the band as soon as the surviving members were demobilised from the army.
The new president was J. McKenzie Miller, vice-president Archie McLachlan, treasurer G. Smith, secretary Stewart Cunningham. The committee was made up of Messrs G. Gall, F. McLachlan, Pipe Major J. Smith MM, and Mrs M. McLachlan, widow of Malcolm McLachlan.
As one of them put it, "We will do everything to win new honours for the band until the time when, once again as in 1938, we can march in triumph through Allandale, for we all recognise that such a 'march of victory' would be our finest tribute to Pipe Major McLachlan."
Continued Success
The Allandale Pipe Band did indeed go on to win many more honours and march through the village in triumph on many occasions.
There were many other members from the village and surrounding area who were part of the band in subsequent years. Among those I remember were Pipe Major John McConnachie, Hugh Campbell, Malcolm Graham and supporters George Bell and Jimmy McWhinnie. I would like to record other members of the band here, so if anyone can add to the names please email me.
Pipe Major John Smith B.E.M., M.M.
Pipe Major John Smith B.E.M., M.M., was a member of the 1938 world champion band and one of those who joined the Argylls at the start of World War II. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery at the Battle of El Alamein.
His citation reads, "Sergeant Smith, as medical sergeant, displayed conspicuous courage, calmness and efficiency. Despite continuous heavy fire and many casualties, he carried out his work with complete disregard for danger and a thoroughness and determination that were an inspiration to the men under him."
He was also awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to piping at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle on 7 December 1964. He is second from the right in the 1938 photograph.
His two brothers, George Smith and Ronald Smith, were also members of the band after the war. George Smith is the Pipe Sergeant on the right and Ronald Smith is the seventh piper from the right in both 1950s photographs. Pipe Major Smith's son Roy joined the band as a young piper just before it disbanded. He later joined other bands including the Fallin Pipe Band, the 7th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Pipe Band, and the 153 H Regt. RCT Pipe Band. In 1964 he was a founder/instructor of the Denny & Dunipace Pipe Band, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary, and he is still involved with it.
Post-War Success
The reformed band in the 1950s with their continued success
Formal photo of the band showing their championship success
Allandale Pipe Band 1951
The Allandale Pipe Band did indeed go on to win many more honours and march through the village in triumph on many occasions.
Notable Pipers
Band member in military dress uniform
Piper in full Highland dress
Young band member in military service
The piping tradition continues
There were many other members from the village and surrounding area who were part of the band in subsequent years. Among those I remember were Pipe Major John McConnachie, Hugh Campbell, Malcolm Graham and supporters George Bell and Jimmy McWhinnie. I would like to record other members of the band here, so if anyone can add to the names please email me.
I am indebted to Jim Bell, Roy Smith, Bobby Tasker and Adam Baxter for the information about the band.