Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Pipe Band – established in 2013.
Pipe Bands in Scotland: A Soundtrack to the Nation
Few sounds are as stirring or emblematic of Scotland as the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drum. Pipe bands have long been part of Scottish culture, accompanying everything from military parades and civic celebrations to Highland Games and international competitions. These bands are more than musical ensembles – they’re powerful expressions of identity, tradition, and community spirit.
A Brief History of Pipe Bands
The origins of the Scottish pipe band lie in military history. During the 18th and 19th centuries, regimental pipers were used to lead troops into battle and boost morale. Over time, civilian pipe bands began to form across towns and villages, often tied to local industries, clans, or community groups.
By the early 20th century, pipe bands had become a fixture of Scottish public life. Today, they range from small community groups to world-class competitive ensembles, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow drawing global attention.
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray
- Ballater & District Pipe Band – Ballater Info
- Bucksburn and District – Aberdeen – Established 1947.
- Buckie and District Pipe Band – Founded in 1988.
- Elgin & District Pipe Band – Formed in 1975. RSPBA European Pipe Band Champions – Grade 4B 2013
- Huntly and District Pipe Band – Formed in 1948 by Gordon Highlanders returning home from service in WWII.
Argyll and the Isles
Machrihanish Dunes Sound of Kintyre Pipe Band – Based in Campbeltown, near the Mull of Kintyre
Arran and Ayrshire
Ayr Pipe Band Society – Originally formed in 1910.
Kilmarnock Pipe Band – Formed in 1933.
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Glencorse – near Penicuik
North Berwick Pipe Band – During July & August, North Berwick Pipe Band perform in the lodge grounds at 7.30pm every Wednesday.
Stockbridge Pipe Band – 2013 G3B European and Cowal Champions. 2013 G3B Champion of Champions.
Glasgow and the Clyde Valley
Fife
Dunfermline District & Scottish Transport Regiment Pipe Band
Dysart and Dundonald Pipe Band
Glenrothes & District Pipe Band
Kirkcaldy and District Pipe Band
West Fife Schools Pipe Band – are a public organisation and a charity, teaching school-age children from the West Fife area to play Great Highland Bag Pipes or Highland Drumming. They play local galas and events, and compete in RSPBA and local competitions.
Orkney
Kirkwall City Pipe Band – Established 1919
Perth and Kinross
Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Pipe Band
Kinross & District Pipe Band – Formed in 1946
Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band – Formed November 2004
Vale of Atholl Pipe Band – Founded in 1906
Scottish Borders
Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band – Founded in 1901.
Kelso Pipe Band – Founded in 1981.
The Highlands
Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire
Camelon and District Pipe Band – Based in Falkirk.
Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band – Established in 1977
Scottish Pipe Band Organisations
Pipe Band Information
The College of Piping – 16-24 Otago St., Glasgow G12 8JH
Pipefest – The Home of Massed Band Events.
Pipes|Drums – Piping publication.
The Bagpipes go to the Movies – This website lists and comments upon many movies in which bagpipes appear.
Drum Major – A website aimed at Drum Majors worldwide.