With the ranks swelled by new additions to the pipe and drum corps – the band is planning to contest all five major championships next year – and is currently raising funds to enable this.

New Pipe Major Kenny Short told the Hawick News: "We are very happy with the response to a recent recruitment campaign – and now have a band which could be a real force to be reckoned with next year.

"However, the increased numbers bring new challenges, and we need to equip the band with the latest instrument technology in order to be competitive – and also kit out these new members.

"To help us achieve this – I would ask all previous members of Hawick Pipe Band who may have retained uniform or equipment (pipes) to have this cleaned, and returned. Items can be handed in to Short's of Hawick during working hours. Also, if anyone out there has bagpipes which they would like to donate to the band, these would be a huge help to our cause and gratefully received"

The next outing for the band is the Armistice Day parade on November 9.