I am pleased to bring you the first part of the story of two companies of the Boys Brigade in Dundee. In the future, I will hope to give you a more full story, but for now I will let you see some of the rich history  behind these organisations.      The 6th B.B. began its day with a bugle band up until 1919 when Piping began. This would make the Pipe Band 90 years old this year (2004).  This would make that one of the oldest bands in Dundee. I know that The MacKenzie Pipe Band Start the same year, but the Dundee Police Band started in 1905.  I would be interested in checking out the other bands of the age group. It is with interest that you note that all three are still in existence.

David Marr has supplied me with all the information he can, and has also provided me with the intriguing picture with an even more intriguing storyline.      The opening picture shoes us the Pipe Band of the Cossipor (spelling?) Regiment in India. These are ex members of the 6th B. B. but the only name I have is that the Pipe Major (front left) is Jock Nicol.  His son was also a past member of the 6th.      The band wears tropical Whites and the Ogilvie Tartan.

In the next picture, dated around 1937-39, we have the Pipe Band taking the 6th B. B. Company on church parade Inchmagranachan, Perthshire, when they were on annual camp. Yes they were hardy guys and slept under canvas.      Do you have names to offer?      The only one I can suggest at the moment is that the Piper next to the Pipe Major could be Ian Laird who returned to the 6th/8th in the 1990's to help out.

Next we have the 6th (Lochee) Pipe Band pictured in 1947, shortly after winning the shield at the Braemar Gathering.      This time we have names etc. Back row:- Ross Duthie, Cecil Taylor, Alex Taylor, Jim Smith. Middle Row:- Ian Yule, Jacky Lockhart, Philip Bunt, Sandy Robertson jr., Charlie Ross. Front Row:- George Coutts, Bob Leslie, Jack Marnie, Jim Proctor (Drumming instructor), Peter Marr (Piping instructor), Vic Webster, Colin McHardy, David Cruickshanks.

The 6th/8th have always prided itself on its willingness to improve and set targets for its Pipe Band members. In 1989 the following picture was featured on the front cover of the July/August Pipe Band Magazine of the R. S. P. B. A.      As you will see, the uniforms have been altered with the times and we now have colour. Back row:- David Marr, Kirk Potter, Graham Angus, Duncan McDonald, Matthew Miller, Euen Milne, Richard Brogan, Norman Scott, Barry Milne. Front Row:- Keith Wilson, Ryan Abbott, Ross Dunnet, Struan Robertson, Kirsty Marr, Blair Walker, Fraser Marr, Graeme McFarlane.

The 6th/8th B.B. marked its centenary in 1990 with a parade to Old Lochee & St. Lukes Church.  Pipe Major David Marr is completely hidden by Drum Major Derek Taylor as the band marches past the saluting dias. I suppose that is what Drum Majors are for?      On the day of the parade, some of the ex members arrived for the parade, and you can see Scott Moffat and Brian Robertson in the feather bonnets, whilst elsewhere in the throng are Jacky Lockhart, Allan Paul and Angus Robertson.      Now take a close look at "the midget" in the second row.  That is Andrew Wright who went on to play with the Vale of Atholl before joining up with the Black Watch. I believe he is now playing with Drambuie/Kirkliston Pipe Band.