It has been 55 years since Hamish Dean first took up the pipes and the 70-year-old said he is inspired by the next generation of players.
Mr Dean, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal, retired as pipe major of Huntly and District Pipe Band last year but is still an active member.
He was just 19 when he first took on the role and can remember fellow members being decades older.
He first became involved due to his father, who joined the pipe band after returning from the war.
Mr Dean also pushed for women to join and the band now boasts 11 female members – who no longer wear a different uniform.
Although Mr Dean has taken a back seat with the group, he has no plans to stop piping any time soon and said he was surprised to be put chosen for the honour.
“You never know what’s round the corner.”
