History Page

Bo’ness Federation pipe-band was formed in 1919. The first Pipe major was Willie McComb, after he was demobbed from the army at the end of the first World War he went back to working as a miner in Longriggend.

Willie McComb who was a piper in the Highland Light Infantry contacted known pipers in Bo’ness to form another pipe band as Bo’ness already had the Bo’ness Burgh band who were formed at the end of the nineteenth century. After he had recruited enough players they practised in the Federation Rooms so they called the band the Bo’ness Federation Pipe-Band. The leading drummer also had experience in the Army, Jimmy Rodgers was a drum sergeant in the Royal Scots, the secretary was Harry Allen who remained in the job until he died in 1956.

The first pipe major from Bo’ness was Michael McIntyre who was a miner at Kinneil colliery, his son pat also played in the band. The next pipe major was also a miner in Kinneil Colliery, Dan McIntosh became pipe major about 1930 and remained for about 28years.in 1939 when War began some of the pipers and drummers had to go into the forces so the band started to recruit ladies and by 1942 the ladies band could play at functions by themselves.

In 1955 the band had discussions with the National Union of mineworkers of Kinneil Colliery about financing the band as the band wished to take part in more pipe band competitions so it was agreed that the band would change its name to Kinneil Colliery pipe band and the miners of the Colliery would pay subscriptions for the band and if the Colliery closed down the band would go back to its original name. under pipe major Dan McIntosh and leading drummer Charlie Williamson the band started to practising for contests and in 1957 the band won their first contest when they won the Grade 3 contest at the Crook of Devon in Fife.

In 1958 Dan McIntosh retired and Jim Barrowman, his nephew took over as pipe major. After a good season in 1959 the band were promoted to Grade 2 but they didn't have much success the only highlight coming in 1962 when they were placed 3rd at Cowal Games.

The band played a lot better playing back in Grade 3 and were Champion of champions in 1964 but the band requested to stay in Grade 3 because we had a young drum corp. From 1965 to 1973 the band struggled to compete with lack of players. Three pipe majors from outside Bo’ness had spells in the pipe majors job, Tom McLeod, John Rennie and Roddy McDonald but couldn’t attract any pipers or drummers.

In 1976 the grade 4 band with only 2 adults, Willie Simpson and pipe sergeant Andrew Motion in the band won 2 contests and were 2nd in 2 contests and after a better year in 1977 the band was promoted to grade3. The Novice juvenile band had a good year in 1979, they won the Scottish Championship, 3rd in the World championship and 4th in the Cowal championship. In 1981 Ronald Motion took over as pipe major of the grade 3 band but he left after one season.

In 1985 the band won 15 contests which included the Scottish, British European and Cowal championships but were only 4th in the World championship, this is the only championship the band has failed to win over the years. In 1997 Julie McIssac who left the band in 1984 to work in England became the bands first lady pipe major but after one year she returned to England. In 1997, 50 years after after the first 3 generations of one family played at Bo’ness fair in 1947, 3 generations , Willie Simpson his sons , Billy (drummer) and Iain, grand-daughter Donna and grandson Jonathon (pipers) play at the Fair in 1997.

In 1998 Willies nephew Colin McCluckie returned to the band after a spell playing with Boghall and Bathgate Grade 1 band and was appointed pipe major. In 2000 the band were Champion of Champions in Grade 4B and in 2003 they were Champion of Champions in Grade 4A and were upgraded to grade3B where they are competing at his time picking a few prizes along the way.