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Issues from 1998
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Pipes and drums history to be published

A history of the pipe band, one of the iconic symbols of Scotch, will soon be published.

Words: David Kemp

The history covers the whole period of the band since its formation in 1946, and is based on research by Stephen Matthews, a former drumming tutor, brought up to date by David Kemp, a parent who has had two sons in the band.

The history has been initiated by the parents of the Pipes and Drums Auxiliary to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the band. It will also celebrate the ‘Ross Campbell years’, which are coming to an end in 2007 with Ross’s retirement after 31 years.

Many former band members have contributed their memories of their time with the band, from the days when Danny MacPherson introduced boys at the school to the remarkable and unforgettable sound of the Highland bagpipes, to the great competition successes of the Bill Brown era, and the spectacular improvement in sound and technology under Ross Campbell.

There are many amusing and interesting anecdotes provided by former band members, such as the time when Drum Major Murray Arnott, somersaulting his mace high during a march through the city, found that it had become suspended from the tram wires. As he waited for it to fall the band marched on. Then there was the occasion when General Sir Thomas Blamey called Danny MacPherson ‘You bastard’ – all in good spirits of course! The Highland Gathering held at the school to celebrate Scotch’s 150th Anniversary is featured.

The book will be full of wonderful pictures of the band and events over the years. Dr Gordon Donaldson, in his preface writes: ‘I expect there will be interest in this story beyond band members, because it is a part of the story of Scotch’s growth as a school, of the continuing interest in Scottish culture around the world, and of the value placed on that culture by many who do not themselves have Scottish roots’.

Pre-orders of the book are being sought. If you are an Old Boy of the School, an order form accompanies this edition of Great Scot.

Updated: Monday 24 June 2013