The Scouts Scotland Blog

The Scouts Scotland Blog

The Scottish Council The Scout Association  //  This is the official blog of The Scottish Council The Scout Association. It is for members by members and is used to keep members and interested parties up to date on special events and expeditions, and to share Scouting practice and ideas. Blog posts and content can be submitted by email to the Communications Officer at Scottish Headquarters and may be edited for online publication.

 
Nov 28 / 9:07am

Scout Band Pipes for Prince Charles

by The Scottish Council The Scout Association

Gary Stronach, ADC Scouts Caithness, recently submitted this blog post about the Caithness District Scout Pipe Band’s more notable gigs – in front of royalty!

The Caithness Scout Pipe Band has been in existence for a number of years, starting its life as the 2nd Thurso Scout Group's own Pipe Band but with diminishing numbers over the years and competition from other organisations it was expanded to become a District Band.
 
On Saturday 6th August 2011 they provided the music at the Castle of Mey Highland Games for which HRH Prince Charles is the Patron and for whom they played several tunes for his arrival & departure.

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The Pipe Major, his assistant instructors and all the Scouts involved with the band have been practising hard all year for their Royal debut and are the pride of their District.

All the hard work has paid off handsomely - they have been invited back to repeat the performance for His Royal Highness Next Year!

Caithness Scout Pipe Band

The inspiration for the Caithness Scout Pipe Band came originally from John Ritchie. He had been a founder of the 2nd Thurso scout group in 1958 and it was always his wish to start a scout pipe band. He put his idea into action in 1972 looking for volunteers to learn the chanter. This was the point at which I, Gordon Tait, became involved and I have maintained an unbroken connection with the band ever since, becoming Pipe Major and leading tuition, following completion of my university degree in 1985.

The band originally started out within the one scout group, but the local scout organisation is very well integrated and it is now open to all scouts within the area, broadening its name to Caithness Scout Pipe Band. The present squad all started learning within the last three years, and have done well to reach the standard required to perform for Prince Charles at the Castle of Mey.

Don't miss the new website

Caithness District have also recenty launched their own website where you can Like and comment on their news and updates for the area. You can visit thier websit at www.scoutscaithness.org.uk.