tributes
in Grade 2. Having then had a break from the pipe band scene for a number of years, George resumed drumming duties with various spells at Arbroath Royal British Legion,
Caledonia Pipe Bands. He was a well-respected tutor, lead drummer and drum score writer in the local area and his opinions were often
along with assistance from David Gibson, Scott Phillips and Ron McKay, George helped to create a new band in the local area and by band has since gone from strength championship trophy at the British Championships in May 2013.
in Carnoustie on Friday 16th November 2013. It was a well-attended and excellent remembrance of his life which he shared with his family and with his other love, pipe bands. As he was laid to rest within the local Shanwell Cemetery, a trio of pipers from MacKenzie Caledonia, Arbroath Royal British Legion and Carnoustie and District Pipe Bands, paid tribute by playing one of his favourite
George will be sadly missed in the Dundee, Perth and Angus area and no doubt in other parts of the pipe
are with his family, loving wife Agnes, daughter Karen and sons
Ian Campbell P/M BILL HEPBURN 1930 – 2013
attack. His death was a great loss to piping in the north-east of Scotland
Brown, Balmoral, and P/M James Robertson, Banff, composer of
determined participant in veteran's competitions, often travelling long distances from his home in the north east to the Central Belt to compete. He won the Veterans Champions title in 2003 and repeated the success many times.
and throughout the pipe band world. A long career saw
and District Pipe Band to the Grade 3 Champion of Champions title. Bill was also a noted solo piper and a world-renowned are just a few
highlights in a career that spanned seven decades.
Bill did his National Service at Fort George near Inverness with the Gordon Highlanders. Afterwards he returned to his trade as a joiner and succeeded his father George as
was followed in the same post by his own son Billy when he stepped down in 2002.
Bill was a keen competitor on the solo circuit and In his younger day he remembered competing
His solo success had been mirrored in the band 20 years earlier when he led them to that Champion of Champions title. Parallel to this was the establishment of the band as band has been playing there for 40 years. 'My dad was presented to the Royal Family on six occasions and to the Queen on three. I have also been presented three times,' said Billy.
Apart from winning awards and meeting royalty, there was another side to Bill Hepburn - his willingness to help people and to take part in community events that would
and willing to help out judging at any piping and pipe band contests to which he was invited.
His skill in joinery was a great asset to him when he turned to reedmaking. From modest beginnings in his garden shed, Bill developed an international reputation sending his quality venture grew until it became so big that he opened a shop, Scotch business is now run by Billy and his wife Jackie. Bill is survived by his wife Ina, Billy and his sister Arlene and grandchildren Debbie and Gavin.
Norman Fiddes APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 27
Bill plays at the Deveron Bridge
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