Council tells band to pipe down

Newtonhill Pipe Band only has a handful of members

A small pipe band has been ordered to stop practising outside by a council.

Newtonhill Pipe Band's pipers and drummers - aged from 11 to 75 - use the grounds of the local school in Aberdeenshire.

However, members were "shocked" and "amazed" to be told by Aberdeenshire Council they should practise inside.

A council spokeswoman said: "The use of external areas is not permitted as this clearly causes a nuisance for neighbouring residents."

She explained: "We are aware of the issues with Newtonhill Pipe Band practising outside Newtonhill School as we have received complaints from residents who live in the area.

We play for free for the people of Newtonhill. Some people come over and dance too. Piper Major Domhnull McLennan Newtonhill Pipe Band

"We have contacted the band to remind them that their permitted use of accommodation at Newtonhill School extends to the use of the school hall and music room only."

Piper Major Domhnull McLennan told the BBC Scotland news website: "To be fair to the council, our let is for rooms in the school.

"However on a hot night, for a decade, we have played outside as there would be concerns for dehydration. We also have to practise marching.

"People pay to hear us play and we do it for free for the people of Newtonhill. Some people come over and dance too. I cannot believe someone has objected."