23rd February 12 
Euan keeps band tradition
AN ANNAN musical dynasty is piping into a new era.
Euan Cowan has been appointed Pipe Major of the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band.
He is the third generation of the Cowan family to take charge of one of the town's kilted bands.
Euan, 35, a detective constable with Dumfries and Galloway Police, succeeds Chris Shearer, who is preparing for a move to the Irish Republic.
He will be assisted by his brother Craig, 40, a planning manager at Chapelcross, who takes on the role of Pipe Sergeant from Ian Nicholson.
Both brothers bring a wealth of experience with them of pipe band competitions.
They have played with the old Annan Ex-Service Club Band and Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, which with grade 2 status is the highest level competition band in the region.
Euan served nine years in the Scots Guards, including more than two years teaching at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming in Edinburgh. He gained his Pipe Major's Certificate while in the Army.
The Cowan link at the helm of the town's pipe bands began with Euan and Craig's grandfather Walter Cowan and great uncle Jack Cowan, who led the Royal British Legion Pipe Band.
They were followed by Jack's son, Walter Cowan, who along with John Cowan became Pipe Major and Pipe Sergeant of Annan Ex-Service Club Pipe Band, which during their stewardship rose from grade 4 to the prestigious grade 1 status.
The Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band was formed in 2004 through an amalgamation of Annan Ex-Service Club and the MacLean of Annan Pipe Bands.
Euan expressed delight at his appointment stating he aimed to build on the good work already done in developing the band, which is currently in grade 3B.
He pointed out the band was already attracting back some talented local players, who were competing in senior bands elsewhere in the country.
Euan told the DNG Media: "It's great to be continuing the family tradition and taking the band forward.
"Our juvenile band is doing well and we're hoping to develop the youth policy further which, in the longer term, will benefit the senior band."
PIC
FAMILY TRADITION . . . Euan Cowan is looking forward to leading the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band
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ON PARADE . . . members of the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band competing at the British Championships
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