Cadets Pipe Band in the Highlands

Each year an eight day intensive course of piping and drumming instruction is held at Cameron Barracks in Inverness during the Easter school holidays. The course is attended by well over 200 cadets from all over the UK. It is organised by Major Jim Stout, National Cadet Piping Executive Officer, who is assisted by an expert team of instructors. Cadets can, and do, study for a variety of awards. The course ends with public performances in Inverness and Dingwall.

The first part of this video shows extracts from a band practice on the parade ground at Cameron Barracks. The army cadets are wearing their own specially commissioned tartan (red) while the air cadets are wearing the Royal Air Force tartan (blue). This was a working rehearsal which was not open to the public, so it is fascinating to watch the band working with the course instructors.

The historic surroundings of the Cameron Barracks high above Inverness on Knockentinnel may bring back memories for some. In 1910 the first Army Class of Instruction was taught here by PM John MacDonald under the supervision of the Piobaireachd Society. The barracks were the home of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders from 1886 until 1960.

Also included are extracts from the two public performances by the cadets. The salute at the Beating Retreat ceremony in Falcon Square in Inverness was taken by the Depute Provost of Inverness, Jean Slater.

In Dingwall we see the band coming 'over the bridge' into the town from the old Seaforth Barracks and saluting the Seaforth Highlanders South Africa 1899 -1902 War Memorial as they pass. We then see the band marching along Dingwall's High Street. The salute was taken outside The Royal British Legion by the Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Janet Bowen.

MUSIC LIST

[00:00] CAMERON BARRACKS, INVERNESS (afternoon, 10 April 2014)

[00:00] The Atholl HIghlanders (second part) [attrib. Lady Charlotte Murray c 1780]
[00:42] The Glasgow Gaelic Club [traditional]
[01:24] Queen Elizabeth's March (1941) [PM William Ross (1878 - 1966)]

[02:06] The Atholl Highlanders (first part) [see above]

[02:48] The Highland Brigade at Magersfontein [J MacLellan DCM (1875 - 1949)]
[03:51] The Green Hills of Tyrol [Rossini, adapted by PM John MacLeod (1854) from the Tyrolienne from Rossini's opera William Tell]
[04:53] When the Battle's O'er [William Robb (1863 - 1909)]

[05:40] The Barren Rocks of Aden [attrib. James Mauchine (1843)]
[06:21] Highland Laddie [traditional]
[07:03] Mairie's Wedding [traditional]

[07:44] FALCON SQUARE, INVERNESS (evening, 12 April 2014)

[07:44] Drummer's Call

[08:46] Fear a' Bhàta (The Boatman) [traditional Gaelic air]
[09:46] Itchy Fingers [PM Robert Pinkman (1953 - 2012)]

[11:05] La Boum [Mort Shuman (1936 - 1991), adapted by Betrand Louët for Bagad Brieg. Originally this was the song Un été de porcelaine from the film L'Hôtel de la Plage (1978)]

[13:21] DINGWALL (afternoon, 11 April 2014)

[13:21] The Glasgow Gaelic Club/Queen Elizabeth's March
[14:57] The Rowan Tree [traditional]

[brianlouw]

Oh my word those drill sergeants and bagpipes for 10 years in a school in South Africa and we had the late Pipe Major decorated during scared the pants off great times and great listen for hours and get all teary eyed even at age 60....50 years along

[matteoguzziniphotographer]

I am Italian and feeling the power that rises from my speakers, closing my eyes, I am in Scotland and I feel Scottish.
God save the culture of our glorious and wonderful traditions

[norawatson]

So proud of these youngsters, keeping Scotland's traditions going. Amazing performance.

[paddymilne]

Love the bagpipes. Still playing at 78 years of age. Ex member of the Emerald Girls Pipe Band

[AllansStation]

The young men and women of Scotland - We are proud of them. Their forefathers marched to the stirring sound of the pipes, In many lands.

[darnick]

Great to hear the older tunes instead of the gobbledegook “medleys” we are subjected to at competitions. Very well done.

[stevew]

Imagine these lads walking over the hill to battle- The opponents would turn heel and run😂The passion and skill involved is amazing to watch and listen.What a magnificent parade

[rvail]

As an American, and a Marine (a service who use many British derived marching traditions) it's always fascinating to see the differences in US & UK marching styles. I play the pipes (badly) and could only hope to sound this good myself. Great video.

[clivecunningham]

1st class piping and drumming at such a young age, everyone involved should b immensely proud of themselves slangevar 👍👍

[jimlyon]

I'VE WATCHED THESE CLIPS A NUMBER OF TIMES & I 'VE GOT TO SAY THAT THEY PLAY SO WELL & WITH SUCH A MEASURED PACE THE ONLY OTHER PERFORMANCE SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER IS THE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIPS !

[Ubertubermeister]

Such discipline and dedication to an amazing instrument. It's a beautiful sight seeing young people embracing their culture and preserving it for the next generation. God Bless Scotland.

[jamesbennis]

The future of Pipe Bands is in good hands, well done everyone.

[lesanderson]

I was in the Devon and Dorset Regt for 15 years then 7 with Army Cadets and I can tell you I would march onto Buckingham Palace behind these with Goosebumps they are a credit to themselves and their instructors well done boys and girls.

[joeminella]

These young folks are great! Gives me delicious chills from head to toe! Thanks!

[yrmarine]

This is one of the finest band I have ever heard. Their beat is perfect and the piping is inspiring. That's from someone who served with the Canadian Black Watch, 45 Commando in Arbroath Scotland, and lived in Scotland for 3 years.

[maryfehrenbach]

What true honor to be in this group of pipes and drums!! The precision of all of this is so amazing.

[dianamarquez]

Never tire of this. I have been listening to these great kids and this YouTube for years.

[-.John.Doe.-]

Fantastic, the Heart of Scotland, my cousins. From Brittany (France). The Celtic Culture is alive and proud.

[annaskinner]

Absolute precision from this fine array of young people. The dedication required to perform at such a level is a tribute to them and their directing staff

[TigerByTheTale]

Every time I feel like I need a smile but don't know where to find it... i watch and listen to this. In these days of gloom, these young cadets show how uplifting order, discipline, and music can be. I hope they all went on to fulfill their dreams, and their destiny.