Pipe band win back right to practise outdoors
Council backtracks and grants permission for rehearsals outside school
Published:
A NORTH-EAST pipe band banned from playing outside a primary school after a complaint over noise has won the right to continue practising.
Newtonhill Pipe Band received widespread support after being told they could not practise outside the village primary school – as they have for more than a decade – after a complaint from a local resident.
Aberdeenshire Council, which originally branded the band a “noise nuisance” in a letter, backtracked, and are allowing the band to practise outside the school again until 9pm.
Pipe Major Domhnull McLennan said: “Aberdeenshire Council has generally been supportive of the pipe band.
“It was unfortunate that their initial response to a single complaint was to ban the band from playing outside.
“Offers of gardens near the school to practise in, though gratefully received, are not required now.
“Following the articles in the press over the last week regarding this ban, overwhelming support for the band has been shown by the Newtonhill Community Council, residents of Newtonhill and from further afield including Ireland and Australia.
“We cannot begin to thank everyone for their good wishes, including the council.
“Most pipe-band functions are outside, and it is important that we are able to practise marching and playing outside.”
Isobel Whyte, 53, of St Michael’s Road, Newtonhill, said: “My house overlooks the school, I'm possibly the closest to where they practise.
“I'm delighted, I absolutely think this is commonsense prevailing and I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing them again.
Mrs Whyte added she goes out into her garden to listen to the pipe band and could not understand why anyone would complain about them.
Councillor Ian Mollison added: “This change of heart is very welcome, and hopefully everyone concerned will be pleased with the outcome.”
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said a mutual agreement had been reached with the band.
Willie Munro, area manager for Kincardine and Mearns, said: “We are very supportive of any local activity that encourages young people to develop their skills.
“We are pleased to have been able to find a resolution with the pipe band with whom we have had a good working relationship over many years.”
