The Island is home to two Pipe Bands

The original pipe band was formed in 1962 and is known as The Millport Pipe Band. It was created from various existing sources including the local 1st Millport Company Boys Brigade pipe band. It is self funded and exists for the enjoyment of its members, the small community in which we live and the entertainment of tourists to our holiday island.

The band is led by Pipe Major Douglas McArthur and plays at many engagements over the year with the months of April till September being the busiest. It has played at some hugely varied events from Royal visits to TV programmes and can be seen playing on the town pier to greet The Waverley every Tuesday and Thursday in the sailing season. Just as you are enjoying a quiet drink in one of the local pubs, you might be surprised to find the band marching through the door in full regalia to play a few tunes and pass the hat round for fundraising.

For anyone interested in learning to play pipes or drums the band offer free tuition and with a membership ranging in age from ten to seventy it is truly a family and community based organisation. Click here for the Millport Pipe Band web site.

The more recent addition is the Royal British Legion Pipe Band which was formed in 1999 and now has close to 60 adult playing members and in 2008 it formed and registered its very own Novice Juvenile Pipe band. Band members come from North Ayrshire and beyond and their Pipe Major since 2002 is David Mitchell who is ably assisted by many others. The adult Band practices on a Thursday in the KA Center, Killwinning from 7:15 pm onwards. The KA centre is at the rear of Kilwinning Academy.

The Juvenile Band practices, under the leadership of Iain Matheson, on a Monday evening in St Andrews Church hall on the border of Ardrossan and Saltcoats and under 18 are be made welcome.

Click here for the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band web site.