The stirring sound of bagpipes and drums echoed around the malls at Castlepoint Shopping Park as the Wessex Highlanders played a foot tapping repertoire of airs, jigs, strathspeys and reels. Although rain forced the 11 pipers and drummers led by Pipe Major Ron Aylin to play at the lower entrance of Marks & Spencer, the unique sound drew hundreds of shoppers who took time to stop, listen and applaud during two sessions.
The Pipes and Drums of the Wessex Highlanders was founded in 1991. Band members travel from across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire to practice every week in Gillingham. Ron Aylin said that one of the bands greatest achievements was to be the first pipe band to play marching up Gold Hill at the recent fair in Shaftesbury.
Photo Caption: Pipe Major Ron Aylin (3rd left) with members of the Wessex Highlanders.
