Donation Helps Beat the Drum

Members of the Lewis Pipe Band are benefiting from a new set of pipe band drums and bespoke uniforms, due to a Capital Grant provided by NHS Western Isles.

The donation of £5,000 towards snare drums, tenor drums and a bass drum, as well as additional uniforms, will enable the continuation of the Band’s strong piping and drumming heritage.

Formed in 1904, the Lewis Pipe Band (LPB), is the oldest community organisation in the Western Isles and has seen a large expansion in membership in recent years, with ages ranging from 16-70+ years. 

Due to this increase in membership, additional equipment required to be purchased, as well as the replacement of certain older items which had reached the end of their lifespan.  In addition, a number of uniform items which were made-to-measure and pre-loved by previous members since the 1970’s, were no longer suitable to be recycled.

Sandy Gomez, Lewis Pipe Band’s Pipe Major, said “We are extremely grateful for NHS Western Isles’ contribution towards these much-needed items, all of which remain as assets of the LPB and are only given to members for use during their time of membership.

“With over 120 years of tradition, LPB proudly represents our islands at local and national events. This includes parading in the town centre every Saturday evening from end of May until end of August, marching during community events and shows, participating at the World Pipe Band Championships, and, more recently, heralding the opening of the Hebridean Celtic Festival before joining award-winning Scottish band Skerryvore on the main stage for the events final festival song!”

NHS Western Isles Hospitals Manager & Armed Forces Veterans Champion, Lachlan Mac Pherson, said: “NHS Western Isles is very proud to support the Lewis Pipe Band.  It is widely recognised that playing musical instruments, particularly in group settings, has been shown to improve mental health.  As a group featuring such a wide age range of members, this can also provide not only emotional support but a sense of belonging and connection, which are essential for our overall mental wellbeing.”

On Saturday 9th August the Lewis Pipe Band & the Lewis & Harris Youth Pipe Band held its event ‘Generations – a celebration of piping and drumming across the ages’ at Stornoway’s An Lanntair, which saw both bands join for a special collaboration, in advance of travelling to compete at this year's 2025 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

Photo: Lachlan Mac Pherson (centre) pictured with the Lewis Pipe Band at their ‘Generations' event on 9^th August 2025.