Piper gets kit for band

THURSO Pipe Band stalwart Alan Plowman has donated a set of pipe bag covers to the band as it prepares to set off on to the Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland.Alan enlisted as a 12-year-old when he piped alongside his father Dan.

He went on hold a number of positions including pipe sergeant and pipe major and, while he still turns out for the band, he also plays with Vale of Atholl Pipe Band which competes in the elite division.

Along with partner Karen, he runs the Halkirk garage and bodywork repair business J & G Sutherland and Spraytech, which has sponsored the new pipe bag covers and cords.

The band, which celebrates its centenary this year, is among a large far north contingent heading to next week’s festival in Carlow. The covers, will make their debut when the band leads the opening parade at the international festival.