THREE generations of the same Selkirk family piped in a regimental reunion.

At the dinner for soldiers who served in the 1950s Malaya insurgency, Ex-Kings Own Scottish Borderer 77-year-old Dave Bunyan, his sons Jimmy, 54, and Andrew, 49, who both piped with the regiment in the 1980s were joined by piping grand-daughter 22-year-old Julie at the Hydro Hotel in Peebles on Thursday.

The Malaya reunion is an annual event with 120 ex-KOSB soldiers attending this year, the eldest of whom was 87.

The Bunyan family’s piping tradition with the KOSB was started in the Second World War by Senior Pipe-major James Bunyan.

Dave, from Thirlestane Terrace, Selkirk, followed his father’s lead during National Service in Malaya in the 1950s.

Andrew, also of Thirlestane Terrace, and Jimmy, both Corporals and pipers, served as regular soldiers for nine years in the 1980s.

A third brother, 51-year-old Stewart, served for 25 years but broke with tradition, playing the clarinet in the regimental band for eight years, before joining the Scots Guards.

Proud mum Anne Bunyan said: “One of my proudest moments came in 1986 when Jimmy was the Lone Piper at the Edinburgh Tattoo, Andrew was performing piping dutires and Stewart was in the KOSB Military band.” Andrew’s daughter Julie is an accomplished piper but has chosen a civilian career and has just started her first teaching post at Philiphaugh Primary in the town.

Julie, who plays with the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band, told the Border Telegraph: “We are a musical family but there was no pressure although I did start to play the pipes when I was eight. I dropped it for a few years but am loving playing again, City of Edinburgh Band was in Grade Three last year but moved up to Grade Two, so 2014 has been quite demanding.” Dave said: “I am very proud that all four of us are playing together tonight.” Andrew, has worked with his father for 25 years as a monumental mason in the family firm Selkirk Memorials, but the reunioun gave him a chance to reminisece about his military days.

He said: “The KOSB gave me some great opportunities, I played solo for the Queen in Horseguard’s Parade and at Balmoral.”