Ronan, an Eighth Century monk was noted for his vigorous methods of dealing with evil. He is said to have visited the settlement now known as Innerleithen and cleekit’ the de’il by the hind leg with his crook or crozier, banishing evil from the place.

The Borders hamlet of Inverlethane appears for the first time on record in the Twelfth Century. Malcolm IV was on the throne of Scotland and his hunting lodge was Traquair, which, in present days, is reputed to be the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. While in residence at Traquair, King Malcolm’s son was accidentally drowned in the deep pool at the foot of Leithen Water. His body was recovered by the locals and carried to the Church. In recognition of this act the King bestowed the right of sanctuary to this territory.

From this period there was a very slow development of the hamlet to the status of a village in the late Eighteenth Century when industry raised its head. It was the appearance of industry which, undoubtedly, led to the formation of a fyfe and drum band in 1810. It is from this early ensemble that the present-day St. Ronan’s Band has evolved.

Around the middle of the Nineteenth Century, when brass instruments, as we know them, began to appear, the Innerleithen and Traquair Brass Band was formed by local millworkers. This Band functioned for many years under Mr Neil Mackay, but a want of funds eventually brought it to a close. After a year or two the 3rd Peeblesshire Volunteer Band was started in the town and took over the old band’s instruments. Around 1880 the Volunteers passed music making over to St. Ronan’s Brass Band. In 1901 the duties of Bandmaster passed to Mr Cockburn who was a barber and had come from Galashiels. His great grandson is Mark Cockburn, 1st Baritone and Treasurer. In 1913 a new set of silver plated instruments were purchased and another change of name was effected - “Brass” was exchanged for “Silver” and the name has remained. It was around this time (in 1911) that Mr Edward McGlasson became Bandmaster. He brought his sons Cubby, Robert, Frank and Phil into the Band with both Cubby and Frank becoming Bandmasters. Phil was still involved as the Band's Honorary President until his death in 2003.

Between the world wars the Band was quite active, performing concerts locally.

The Band has enjoyed mixed fortunes since re-forming after the Second World War. Contesting took place in the early 1950s, the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was during the later 1970s and 1980s that the Band was at its lowest point. A few dedicated members , led by the late John A. Wilson, soldiered on. The rejuvination began in 1989 when Fred Jones was appointed Conductor. He made rehearsals more focussed and numbers steadily grew (see Youth Band page). A new constitution was adopted in 1991, putting a proper management structure in place to cope with the growing activities of the Band. David Robb took over from Fred Jones in 1995, so beginning the most successful period in the Band's long history. The Band re-entered the contesting arena. This has greatly improved playing standards. The Band won the Forth Valley Championships in November 1997 and gained two second places at other Scottish competitions. The greatest break-through came in 1999 when the Band became Scottish Champions and Carnegie Champions in the Fourth Section. The Band went on to represent Scotland at the National Finals of Great Britain in Nottingham where fifth place was awarded. The Band is now in section two (see Contest Results for details of our progress). When the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association organised the first band contest in the Borders for many years in December 2001, St. Ronan's went on to win not only the third section prize, but the whole contest.  This was repeated in 2003 when the Band won the contest on home turf, in the Memorial Hall.  They have also been crowned most entertaining band at this contest on four occasions

The most important result of contesting is that Innerleithen and district has a much improved Band. A full concert programme was resumed in 1992 and the Band plays at least three time a year to packed halls in Innerleithen and district

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The Band pictured in July 1971, Bandmaster - Mr Frank McGlasson