Although it is recorded that the organisation has been in existence since the 1890s, the present band was formed in 1969 by parents of the then thriving schools band which consisted of children from Tayport, Newport and Wormit Primary Schools who were receiving tuition from peripatetic brass teacher, Thomas Hillan. The schools band, which was going from strength to strength under the baton of Mr
Hillan was becoming a great crowd puller at local events in North East Fife. It was known that when the old Tayport Instrumental Band had folded in the 1950s, instruments used by the band had been put into storage in the burgh chambers (now the council offices) in Queen Street. Included was a bass drum bearing the band's name and a date which indicated that the band had been in existence as early as the 1890s. A bequest had also been left by former member James Wallace on condition that it could only be of financial gain to an organisation called Tayport Instrumental Band. So, those attending the meeting agreed to resuscitate Tayport Instrumental Band. The drum can be seen on some images taken of the band in the 1920s and 1930s. The 'new' Tayport Instrumental Band, which drew it's membership mainly from the schools band, entered it's first contest in 1970 which was in the 4th Section at the Scottish Regional Finals in Arbroath. The band were placed 2nd out of a field of 16 bands from all over Scotland. This meant promotion to 3rd Section and qualification to represent Scotland in the 4th Section at the National Finals which were to be held in London in October. Unfortunately, lack of funds, prevented the band representing Scotland in London, but under the leadership of Mr Hillan, the band progressed through the section in consecutive years to become a Championship Section band within three years of membership into the Scottish Amateur Band Association. As this was an unprecedented achievement, The Scottish Amateur Band Association, in 1972 marked this unique feat by presenting a special scroll. The band had qualified to represent Scotland at the National Finals in London on two previous occasion in Fourth Section and Third Section but had been unable to attend due to lack of funds. But on this occasion, the hard working committee were determined that the band should attend and extra fund raising was carried out which brought funds to equip the band with a much-need new set of instruments. Travel and accommodation were organised and the band travelled securing 4th place at the National Finals in Lodon from a field of 22 bands from all over the United Kingdom. This was prior to reclassification when the 1st Section was introduced which made the band's progress even more remarkable.
