After a hiatus of a two seasons as a result of the departure of its Pipe Major, Lachie Dick, the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band has announced a new Pipe Major ad Leading Drummer. David Clunie and Simon Grant take over immediately at the capital from the Grade 2 Denny and Dunipace Pipe Band. The band intends to return to Grade 2 for the 2020 competition season.
Band secretary, Paul White, said: “Going forward, we are delighted that David and Simon have agreed to take the reins at the City of Edinburgh and we look to the future with confidence.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Jim Walker, who has led our drum corps with distinction over recent years. Jim will stand aside to allow David and Simon to come on board, putting the interests of the band before his own.”
David Clunie said:“Both Simon and I are delighted to be appointed Pipe Major and Leading Drummer respectively and are looking forward to the challenge ahead. Given the amount of teaching within the Edinburgh area, it’s surprising that the capital lacks a premier grade band and we would like to address that deficit.
“We are committed to applying our experience to move the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band forward, with existing and new members, and those interested in joining us on the journey.”
Before being appointed at Denny & Dunipace, Clunie was Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Clan Gregor and, before that, Bowhill.
The appointment also appears to be the catalyst for the return of the band’s popular Pipe Major’s Wheel of Fortune competition which insiders say will return for next year. Pipe Major Ben Duncan won the last contest in 2017.
