Scotch College

Scotch Highland Gathering

Pipes and drums bring a breath of Scotland to Scotch 150 celebrations

On 7 April next year, Scotch College will ring to the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums, as the Scotch 150 Highland Gathering brings together pipe bands from all over the world.

Sixteen bands are expected to come from as far afield as South Africa, Northern Ireland, New Zealand (three), Scotland (of course!), and others from Queensland, NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, to join the Scotch Pipe Band in one of the biggest competitions of its type ever held in Australia.

Organising the event is a committee headed by Sheila Atkins, supported by Mr Ross Campbell, the teacher in charge of the Scotch College Pipes and Drums. Mr Campbell, himself a piper of renown, said that he was 'overwhelmed' with the response to the invitations which were sent worldwide to schools with pipe bands.

'I thought we'd perhaps get six Australian bands, but I really didn't expect to be hosting bands from overseas,' Mr Campbell said. 'The standard of the overseas bands may well be high, and it will be very interesting for our students to be able to obtain a global comparison.'

The competition, to be held on the Main Oval, will consist of two elements which will be assessed for piping and drumming to decide the winner and placegetters, with standards of dress and drill also taken into account for a separate award. 'Each band will perform a selection of marches, followed by a medley of music of their own choosing, with the Australian Pipe Band Association supplying the judges,' Mr Campbell said. 'Given sufficient time in what promises to be a busy day, we may also run a restricted solo competition for pipers and drummers.'

At lunchtime, there'll be a demonstration of Scottish 'heavy games', such as tossing the caber and throwing the hammer. 'We'll move from the Main Oval for these games,' Mr Campbell said, 'as we wouldn't want to dig up the sacred turf with a caber, which might better be described as a lamppost!' The day will end with a riverside spit roast for our visitors, which will provide an opportunity for social interaction between the bands.

Interstate and overseas bands will be accommodated in Defence Force establishments at Laverton and possibly Point Cook, and the Forces will also help with transport. 'We're very grateful for this support, provided through the Australian Cadet Corps, and for the support of our own cadets, who will work under Mr Bain's direction as marshals on the day,' Mr Campbell said.

Fortuitously, the Australian Pipe Band Championships will be held at Jubilee Park, Ringwood on 14 and 15 April, just one week after our Highland Gathering, so most bands will probably stay on for the championships.

Scott North, an eminent Old Scotch piper and member of the organising committee, has arranged for a series of tours around Victoria to enable the visitors to see our more popular attractions during the intervening week.

Scotch pipers and drummers are looking forward to this unique band event - a highlight of the Scotch 150 celebrations.