‘David Urquhart Travel’ intact as revitalized Grade 1 band sets ’07 plans

The David Urquhart Travel Pipe Band (DUT) has confirmed that it will compete in Grade 1 in 2007.

The band’s Pipe-Major is David McRobert, who led the Grade 2 Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band, with Gary Killen leding-drummer. Former DUT and Lothian & Borders Police pipe-major Duncan Smith is pipe-sergeant of the “new” DUT, while well known side drummer George Walls holds the title of drum-sergeant.

The band will continue to be sponsored by the David Urquhart Travel organization.

“Preparation for the new season in Grade 1 has already begun,” said McRobert. “The band has a mix of experienced and young players which will create a good blend for the Grade 1 band and also for young players to progress. We have experienced pipers and drummers who have played at high levels and they are providing an influence and working together to produce new and exciting material to take the band forward.”



The band will practice in Stirling, Scotland, every Monday and in Glasgow on Thursdays with occasional Sunday practices “to accommodate all personnel.” The practice schedule will increase in 2007, McRobert said.

McRobert intimated that the sponsorship will be increased, allowing the band to purchase new uniforms, chanters, and drums. He said that the band will debut a new tartan.

DUT did not compete in 2006 due to mass-loss of personnel. DUT lost most of its pipe section after the departure of Chris Armstrong to take over the Grade 1 ScottishPower Pipe Band. McRoberts’s Royal Burgh of Stirling’s entire drum section departed only weeks before the first RSPBA championship of 2006 and also did not compete.

The confirmed viability of DUT gives Scotland a total of 10 Grade 1 bands.

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