Mr Kilpatrick claimed he had been forced out and called the band’s statement 'disingenuous'

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Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia chiefs have sparked fury by parting company with Jim Kilpatrick MBE, officially the greatest ever competitive pipe band drummer.

The controversial decision by Pipe Major Ryan Canning has prompted the “vast majority” of drummers to resign from the band, it has been claimed.

The fallout comes just two months after Mr Kilpatrick played a key role in leading the band to triumph at the World Pipe Band Championships.

The remarkable victory saw them crowned the first Scottish winners in 10 years.

The band announced Mr Kilpatrick’s departure on October 12, saying he had resigned to make way for his replacement Blair Brown.

However, Mr Kilpatrick claimed he had been forced out and called the band’s statement “disingenuous”.

The 59-year-old, who has led the band’s drummers for 29 years, said: “I was removed from my position and the new leading drummer was appointed without any constitutional process involving the membership of the band.

“As a result of my removal, the vast majority of the Shotts drum corps took the decision to resign from the band.”