Pipe Band Competition

For many visitors the high point of any Highland Games is the entry of the Pipe Bands. Here at Abernethy Highland Games, they are a fundamental part of the Games and are a long-standing tradition.

Perhaps surprisingly, the origins of the pipe band as we now know it, are lost in history. Pipes and drums of various kinds are found all over Europe, particularly in Celtic countries but their adoption into the formal structure of the Great Highland bagpipe, snare, bass and tenor drums arose in the military and records indicate that pipers served in The Royal Scots as early as the 17th Century.

While the armed forces still retain pipers and drummers who appear at ceremonial events such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the bands that appear at Abernethy Games today are made up by volunteers who play for their own enjoyment and that of the crowds they entertain. They are usually from a specific locality which gives the band their name.

The band uniform varies but the main element is the kilt, of a tartan that the band has selected possibly because of a historical connection or simply because it looks good. The other elements of the uniform may include the Glengarry bonnet, jacket and waistcoat, hose (stockings) and dress shoes.

The Drum Major, who leads the band has a more elaborate uniform of the same tartan which may include a bearskin hat, and, in some cases, a mace which may be tossed if the Drum Major is feeling particularly brave.