And the Armidale community is set to benefit from Tim’s odyssey, as he will pass on the skills learned to local players.

Tim and his wife Isobel - also a member of the Armidale Pipe Band - spent five months in Scotland.

The winner of the 2008 ‘Big Brother Movement’ scholarship, Tim was able to further his piping skills and reconnect with his British ancestry on his overseas sojourn.

“The skills and knowledge gained for my own personal piping will be passed on to new and existing members of our community band,” said the Armidale band Pipe Major.

Isobel also made good use of the opportunity, seeking tenor drum tuition from a former world champion drum tutor.

“The opportunities in Australia to better yourself in your chosen instrument are hard enough in the city, let alone in regional NSW. I absolutely loved seeing the pipe and drum industry alive in Scotland,” Isobel said.

The Armidale Pipe Band will perform for the community at the Bowling Club on November 27.

The concert is the band’s annual Ceilidh - a family event that sells out every year.

Tickets are on sale now at the Bowling Club for the performance which will start at 7pm.