Hi there,
I have been communicating with your great uncle over the last few months. He still plays and indeed tutors in the states. He sent me this message a few weeks ago about some of his memories.
"Hello Ewan, Good to hear from you. The last time I was in Shotts I visited your Uncle John, Willie and your dad Tom, where they made the reeds. I got my first lessons on the pipes from your Grandad Tam and he made a prety good player of me.
I joined the band in 1938 and played in it until 1952. My older brother Donald was also in the band briefly then he joined the Merchant Navy. Donald was a good pal of your Uncle John, anw was a good pal of your Uncle Willie. During the war, the band just barely ticked over with a few of us who were too young or too old to go, but shortly after the band ended, the band was in full swing again by 1947. From that time on I used to enjoy going away with the band on Saturdays to compete, and we won plenty. I played with the band when it won the world championship in 1948, and still I still have the photograph that was taken of us at the Regal movie theatre (SDCPB659). Each of us were given a little plaque to remember the event."
With regards to your question about the band playing at its local highland games.
I can only comment on the years I was a member of the band. During this time, the band always played at the local Highland Games (and our local Gala day where possible). It should be noted that the Highland Games at that time was the European Championships so all of the big bands attended. As you obviously noticed at the games on Saturday, none of the big bands were present, not just Shotts.
As you can see, this is a public forum and I will put your question to the current Pipe Major, Robert Mathieson and let him respond.
If you would register with the site and supply an email address, I could possibly give you more information regarding your great uncle.