Parliamentary recognition for Ellon Pipe Band retiree

Long-serving member of Ellon Pipe Band Willie Taylor has had his service recognised by local Westminster MP Richard Thomson in a Parliamentary Motion.

Mr Taylor is retiring from Ellon Pipe Band after an incredible 38 years of service to the band and the wider community, and hisis retirement was marked in a ceremony in Ellon at the weekend.

Commenting, Gordon MP Richard Thomson said: “It’s a pleasure to mark Willie’s 38 years of service to Ellon Pipe Band, piping in general and his service to the wider community in this way.

“In particular, Willie’s role in developing the long-standing relationship with the Belgian Koninklijke Harmonie Concordia silver band is worthy of special mention and speaks not only of his keenness to export pipe music overseas but also of his affinity with other bands and genres of music and bringing these to the north-east.

“I’m quite sure that Willie won’t be lost completely to the world of piping but I wish him well in his deserved retirement.”

The Motion read: "That this house acknowledges the hugely significant voluntary contribution of Mr Willie Taylor of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, to the success and ongoing development of Ellon Pipe Band; further recognises Mr Taylor's pivotal role in developing the long-standing partnership between the Ellon Pipe Band and the Koninklijke Harmonie Concordia silver band from Maaseik, Belgium; and wishes him well as he retires from Ellon Pipe Band after an astonishing 38 years of service to the band and to community life in the Ellon area and beyond."

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