The band is launching its 2024 calendar – and an exhibition of the specially commissioned photos taken by Nick Callaghan – at The Loft in the town’s Peffer Place.

With a theme ‘The Rhythm of a Year’, the calendar features band members through the seasons in well-known local locations such as the Nungate Bridge, St Mary’s, Winton Castle, Court Street, the Lammermuir Hills, Nunraw Abbey, and even – for the Christmas shot – on the Haddington rooftops.

“We’ve been absolutely thrilled to have Nick Callaghan do the photography for this year’s calendar,” said the band’s Alastair Bruce. “He brings incredible creativity and quality to the project, and this has enabled us to put together a strongly themed approach with photos taken to mark the seasons and some notable dates through the year.

“The shots have all been taken locally and the fantastic range of locations in Haddington and nearby definitely add to the calendar’s appeal.”

Best one ever

Nick Callaghan carried out the photography for all the earlier pipe band calendars from 2011 but had to step down in 2020 due to the workload of his professional commitments. However, he was pleased to be in a position to return this year and believes that the band’s 2024 calendar is the best one ever.

“It’s been a real pleasure working with the band on these shoots and I’m delighted to have been able to get involved once again with such a fantastic community organisation.

“We have had a lot of fun together over the years creating the photography for the calendars, but I do reckon that the 2024 edition stands above all the others on which I’ve worked.”

As ever, the project has been supported by many local businesses and the band paid tribute to their help. “We are extremely grateful to the many businesses and organisations who have very kindly sponsored the production of the calendar,” said Alastair Bruce. “Their support is invaluable.”

The calendar is now on sale for £7 at various shops and other outlets, including The Loft. It can also be purchased online, by emailing calendar@haddingtonpipeband.co.uk. The exhibition of the photos will run at The Loft until the end of January.

All funds raised from this calendar will be used to pay for tuition, instruments, uniforms, and other initiatives which help the band to develop and make a positive contribution to the town and the community.