HE'S been piping around Galashiels since the mid-1950s.

And on Sunday fellow members of the Galashiels Ex-Servicemen's Pipe Band presented Drew Ness with a statue as a thank your for his dedication.

Apart from a brief interlude, to pursue his musical career with the saxophone and clarinet, Drew has been a mainstay in the Gala band.

He has also held the coveted position of Pipe Major on two occasions.

Fellow Ex-Servicemen's member Billy Easson conducted a 'This is Your Life' style tribute on Sunday at the Royal British Legion ahead of the presentation.

Billy told us: "I don't think there is another piper, or even musician, as good as Drew anywhere in the Borders.

"He can play any instrument and has a great understanding of how music should be put together.

"Everyone at Galashiels Ex-Servicemen's Pipe Band is extremely grateful to Drew for all he has done over the decades."

Drew's in-road into piping began with a chanter his mother bought him in Edinburgh.

After a spell in the 4th Battalion KOSB he returned to Galashiels in the early 1960s, being promoted to Pipe Major in 1962 - a position he held until 1969.

As well as playing with the Ex-Servicemen's Pipe Band, Drew played a number of different instruments in bands such as The Bandits, The Metronomes, The Galaleans and The J.E.W.D.

Drew took a break from piping for a few years to concentrate on his other musical interests.

But he returned to the band once more in the early 1990s.

And once again was promoted to Pipe Major from 2010 to 2018.

As well as playing with the band, he also composes tunes, helps with fundraising and teaches new players.

He also helped produce a highly-popular CD of the band's music.

During Sunday's celebration, the commemorative statue of a piper was presented by David Sanderson.