They have supported Sir Paul McCartney twice, played at Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, at the Edinburgh Marathon, Lord's Cricket Ground and for Pope Benedict XVI. It is little wonder then that the Loretto School Pipe Band are in such demand and called upon to place at a raft of prestigious events.
The Loretto School Pipe Band kicked off the Lennoxlove Book Festival on Friday, 2nd November in the forecourt of Lennoxlove House in East Lothian.
This year's Lennoxlove Book Festival began with another fanfare – Michael Morpurgo and J.K. Rowling, followed by a procession of wonderful writers, entertainers and thinkers: Alexander McCall Smith, Prue Leith, John Sessions, Penny Junor, Neil Oliver, former Loretto pupil Alistair Darling and Roger McGough.Following their performance, members of the Loretto Pipe Band met author, poet, playwright and Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo OBE.
Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs at Loretto School, said, "Sadly, I was unable tempt JK Rowling out of the warmth of Lennoxlove to meet the Loretto Pipe Band. However, Michael Morpurgo braved the chilly November air and watched the performance with eager interest. Looking particularly dapper sporting tartan trews, Michael was keen to congratulate the Pipe Band on their performance."