Scottish Pipe Bands

Bagpipes have a long history, dating back to the Celts. The origin of pipe bands is more frecent and were first receorded in the 1700's, from that time on pipers were seen as key to boosting troop morale and the first time a piper was officially receognised was in 1679.

Following the battle of Culloden the victorious Hanoverians banned bagpipes, this was as the same time that the wearing of tartan was always banned.

Playing military pipes was seen as on a par with any the role of any other member of the regiment - highlighted by the sentencing to death of a piper in the regiment captured during the 1745 uprising.

'a Highland regiment never marched without a piper...therefore his bagpipe, in the eye of the law, was an instrument of war'

So what music did military pipers play - there were three types of 'pibrochs' (tunes) - martial, for the battlefield, marches for soldiers on the move and laments for funerals. Many of the pibrochs were inspired by famous battles in particular the Jacobite Rebellion. As such some tunes are linked to certain regiments.

In 1840, the popularity of military pipe bands was given a boost - Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for all things Highland was behind the War Office's decision to provide each of the Highland Regiments five pipers and a Pipe Major. Pipe bands grew in reputation both at home and abroad a positive image of Scotland. During the First World War pipers were banned from playing in the trenches, however many disobeyed this order and were killed along side their comrades. Military pipers were also present in more recent conflict includig the Gulf war. Today pipers in the army are also required to take on a secondary role in the army, such as a medic.

Today military pipe bands, also referred to as 'pipe and drums' have expended and are common outside of the military and thousands of civilian pipe bands have sprung up all over the world

Pipe band proficiency is typically measured in grades from 1-4. With grade 1 the highest level and grade 4 the most basic or training level. Traditional Pipe bands are made up of a section of pipers, a section of snare drummers, several tenor drummers and a single bass drummer.

Countires that have strong cultural links to Scotland such as America, Canada and Australia also have a 1000s of pipe bands which celebrate thier shared celtic heritage.

At the annual World Pipe Band Championships pipe bands from around the world come together to perform. The Edinburgh Tattoo is also a key fixture for pipe bands - military bands from around the world play together to create a magnificent sound and spectacle.

An important part of playing in a pipe band is the specific dress that is worm, this allows members to feel part of Scottish Heritage and the impressive look of the uniform adds to the spectacle.


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Anna Murray is Head of Marketing at The Scotland Kilt Company - a family run business based in Edinburgh. For more information about ladieswear including measuring yourself for a kilt and choosing your tartan visit
http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk/
email info@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk
Or call 0131 225 3555