Torchlight Procession 2023

 Last one of the year taking part in the Torchlight Procession and part of Edinburgh's Hogmany celebrations. We are in there somewhere.

Armistice 2023

 A nice, bright sunny November morning for this years commemoration and wreath laying

Scotland - Ukraine

Despite the poor weather of Storm Babet a few of us played at the unveiling of the Scotland/Ukraine Mural at the end of the high Street in North Berwick. Along with a Ukrainian dance group we entertained the spectators and officials. Thank you to those who took part.

One Big Thank You

 One of Scotland’s most famous actors has surprised a community stalwart on TV, telling him: “There is something very special about you”.

BBC’s The One Show paid tribute to a North Berwick resident for his dedicated work in the community.

 

Eddie McFadzean, 70, featured on the programme’s ‘One Big Thank You’ segment, which recognises people doing great things in their towns and villages, last Thursday.

 

Eddie is a well-kent face in North Berwick, taking part in numerous fundraisers, volunteering at respite centre Leuchie House, as well as being pipe major in North Berwick Pipe Band.

 

He moved to the town, where he lives with his wife Sheila, from Coventry in 2015.

 

Show bosses decided to get Scottish actor Robert Carlyle, famous for roles in hit movies such as Trainspotting and The Full Monty, to surprise Eddie, who thought he was being filmed for a tourism video.

 

Mr Carlyle said on the show: “Eddie doesn’t realise that today is all about him: he thinks he’s just here to take part in a video. It might come as bit of a shock!” 

 

Eddie arrived on location in Milton of Campsie after being told that the organisers needed some bagpipe music to accompany the “video”.

 

The cameras rolled and Mr Carlyle spoke in general about Scotland before talking more specifically about the wonderful things Eddie did in the community.

 

He then told Eddie he was there with The One Show to give him “one big thank you”.

 

Mr Carlyle added: “There’s something very special about you – thank you so much.”

 

Eddie was visibly emotional at the actor’s kind words, before he was taken to a TV monitor where The One Show host Alex Jones, Leuchie House CEO Mark Bevan, and some of the respite centre’s guests sang his praises.

 

Clive Myrie, the host of TV’s Mastermind, Eddie’s favourite show, then added some touching words of his own and told him to “keep up the good work”.

 

Eddie was nominated by Liz Martin, a personal friend who met him through his work at Leuchie House. She was delighted to see Eddie recognised and was on scene, alongside his wife, to witness the tearful moment.

 

The Courier spoke to Eddie after his TV appearance.

 

He said: “It was fantastic, very emotional at the end, but fantastic to be able to do something like that.

 

“It was a complete surprise for me. I knew nothing about it, even going there.

 

“And at the end to mention Leuchie House, and the foodbank, how good is that? It will raise the profile of them.

 

“I kept telling the people that the wind was getting in my eyes but I did get a wee bit emotional about it all. I’m retired and I just look for things to do in my time. I can give this time to help people.”

 

Eddie was also grateful for the response from locals after his TV appearance. He said: “My phone never stopped with messages saying thank you.

 

“It just went mad, really. There’s a lot more people more deserving than me, but I thank people for recognising what I did.”

 

Speaking after the show, Leuchie CEO Mr Bevan said: “Whether behind the bagpipes, behind the sink or [being responsible] for a great experience a guest at Leuchie is having, Eddie is the best of people.

 

“It’s great that for once Eddie is out front and being recognised for all that he has done for so many people and our community.”

 

Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council, said: “It is great that a local volunteer is recognised for the value of what they do, and I would like to extend my congratulations and that of the community council, and thank him for all he does.”

Summer comes to a close

 Well that's the summer engagements completed, in spite of the sudden improvement in the weather.

Finished up this weekend playing at "Hops in the Garden" at Archerfield in aid of Leuchie House. Then actually playing at Leuchie House the following day to entertain the clients there.

Wednesday saw the return to our Wednesday evening practises at St Andrew Blackadder Church. Please get in touch if you are interested in learning pipes or drums. There is always space for new members, beginners or experienced, young or old.

Sounds of Scotland at Fringe by the Sea.

A big thank you to everyone who came to watch the show on Monday. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we hope you did as well. We raised over £1,000 for the East Lothian Foodbank and for that also, we thank you. Looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Fringe by the Sea

 We've got an event coming up as part of Fringe by the Sea. Monday 7th August at 6.00pm. Get in touch if you need more information.

Coronation Concert

 Monday evening, 8 May 2023. The Band, in association with the North Berwick Gospel Choir, Dunedin Dance Academy, Freedom Form Dance Training and many other local community groups coming together to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and also to raise much needed money for the local food bank. Check out our 2023 Gallery page for some video clips.

 Well, that's us starting the new year - 2023.

Remember to keep checking the Calendar page to see what's coming up.

For members - remember that all the piping and drumming scores are available in the Members area. Not sure how to access it? Just contact the Pipe Major or the Webmaster.