The Second World War
During the 2nd World War Tom Ainslie showed his versatility and began to teach both the Pipes and the Drums to the Air Training Corps (ATC) and formed a band. As the lads themselves became too old to remain in the cadets, they continued to play together under the leadership of Tom and the Duns Pipe band was born. Drum Major Jock Wood and drummer, Archie Denholm were two of Tom’s better known drumming students and continued to play and support the band until the 1980's.
Pipe Major Tom Ainslie (kilted) leads the Duns ATC Pipe Band in the early 1940's
Pipe Major Tom Ainslie (Back Left) with the Duns ATC Pipe Band circa 1943
The newly formed Duns Pipe Band play in Duns Park in the late 1940's
Tom led the band from strength to strength until ill health in the late 1950's forced him to give up.
His work was outstanding, raising a band from scratch and then sustaining it for so many years. His example is instilled the band's ethos to this day as Duns Pipe Band is renowned for the quality of its teaching.
The 1950's