In 2001, the devastating Foot and Mouth pandemic brought farming communities to a standstill, virtually closing the countryside for nine months. Following the cancellation of local shows and community events, the Rothbury Highland Pipe Band embarked on a tour of the Coquet Valley. The pipes and drums brought together friends and families once again, whilst also helping contribute to the local economy after a difficult summer. 

Picking up on a TV program of the times “Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland”, the band called the event it’s “World Tour of Coquetdale”. 

The tour was so successful that it continues to this day. 

The Rothbury Highland Pipe band was formed in 1920 and has been entertaining the communities of the Upper Coquetdale in Northumberland. They consist of both the Rothbury Pipe Band (from Northumberland) and the Neilston & District Pipe band (from Scotland). 

They are family orientated and community focused. 

Pipe Major Andrew Miller says “The World Tour of the Coquetdale is what our band is all about. It’s fun. It’s social, and it’s the best day of the year”.

Local music legend Andrew Charlton says “This day doesn’t have to get bigger or better. It’s all for the people of the area. I look forward to this day more than any other day in my calendar.”