The orchestra was formed in 1992 by the late Ron Walker of Forfar to raise money for the Heart Foundation in honour of his father who had died from the disease. Ron developed the orchestra over 20 years and conducted up until his own ill health forced him to take a step back in 2014. Over the two decades the orchestra has raised thousands of pounds for charity and it continues as a regional orchestra in honour of Ron and his charitable efforts.

The second principal conductor was Andrew McGarva, formerly Deputy Rector and music master of Kilgraston School. Andrews took over the baton for a year before heading south to take up a new post. Our newest conductor, from September 2016, is Richard Allan of Arbroath. Richard played trombone in the TSO on several occasions and also stood in as conductor at some rehearsals. He has much experience in conducting through his work with Arbroath Proms and the Arbroath Music Society.