From its beginnings three and a half decades ago and as a 12-strong band practicing in the Fintry community centre in Dundee, the Fintry Pipe Band has always been known to stand out from the crowd. Founded by local Pipe Major William Smith in 1972, the original dozen members, drawn from Artillery and Black Watch TA bands, stepped out resplendent in Macbeth tartan kilts, favouring military pleat over the more common dress pleat .Glengarrys sporting black cock feathers and archer green doublets, bought second hand from Bullionfield Pipe band, along with fine horse hair sporrans, completed the band livery.

When the older members left, the band went into decline. Harry Ellis had been giving tuition to anyone who showed an interest in piping within the band, this included the Pipe Major’s eldest son, Richard. The band struggled on for a few years only having 5 pipers. Stan Frew was the lead drummer and had the task of trying to encourage drummers to the band. One of the young drummers was Richard Stewart who is now the current leading drummer. Many of the original members were residents of the Fintry housing state. The band has always taken pride in family involvement. Along with Pipe Major William Smith and his son Richard, pipers Tony Heron and his son Russell, who joined in 1976, the family bond remains strong. In the current band there are Grandfathers` and Grandsons`, Husbands` and Wives, Boyfriends` and Girlfriends` all continuing this tradition.

After the retirement of William Smith as Pipe Major in 1987 his son Richard took over and it has remained under his leadership to this day.

Now in its 35th anniversary year, the Mains of Fintry Pipe Band has become part of the fabric of the piping community. Since its very first performance playing with the massed bands in Dundee City Centre in 1972, and its first competition at Dundee Highland Games in Caird Park, the band has grown in number and stature. Notable performances chalked up so far include appearances before HM Queen Elizabeth in Dundee City Centre in 2002 and the Braemar Highland Gathering in 2005. The band has also attended the European Folklore Festival in Bitburg, Germany in 2002 and 2003.

The future looks bright for the band, with a packed calendar of performances and competitions scheduled for 2007 including an invitation to the Festival de Confolens in France and a further foreign excursion to Japan lined up for 2008.

With a healthy contingent of thirty players of all ages, and under the inspirational leadership of Pipe Major Richard Smith, the Mains of Fintry Pipe Band is looking forward to a brighter playing future.