The Pipes of War A Record of Achievements of Pipers of
Scottish and Overseas Regiments during the War of 1914 - 1918. by
Brevet-Col. Sir Bruce Seton, Bart. of Abercorn, C.B. and Pipe Major John
Grant. (1920)
WHEREVER Scottish troops have fought the sound of
the pipes has been heard, speaking to us of our beloved native land,
bringing back to our memories the proud traditions of our race, and
stimulating our spirits to fresh efforts in the cause of freedom. The
cry of "The Lament" over our fallen heroes has reminded us of the
undying spirit of the Scottish race, and of the sacredness of our cause.
The Pipers of Scotland may well be proud of the
part they have played in this war, in the heat of battle, by the lonely
grave, and during the long hours of waiting, they have called to us to
show ourselves worthy of the land to which we belong. Many have fallen
in the fight for liberty, but their memories remain. Their fame will
inspire others to learn the pipes, and keep alive their music in the
Land of the Gael.
Preface
This record of the achievements of pipers during
the war of 1914-18 is not intended to be an appeal to emotionalism. It
aims at showing that, in spite of the efforts of a very efficient enemy
to prevent individual gallantry, in spite of the physical conditions of
the modern battlefield, the pipes of war, the oldest instrument in the
world, have played an even greater part in the orchestra of battle in
this than they have in past campaigns.
The piper, be he Highlander, or Lowlander, or Scot
from Overseas, has accomplished the impossible—not rarely and under
favourable conditions, but almost as a matter of routine; and to him
not Scotland only but the British Empire owes more than they have yet
appreciated.
In doing so he has
sacrificed himself; and Scotland—and the world— must face the fact that
a large proportion of the men who played the instrument and kept alive
the old traditions have completed their self- imposed task. With 300
pipers killed and 600 wounded something must be done to raise a new
generation of players; it is a matter of national importance that this
should be taken in hand at once, and that the sons of those who have
gone should follow in the footsteps of their fathers.
This is the best tribute that can be offered to
them.
The Piobaireachd
Society intend to institute a Memorial School of piping for this
purpose, and all profits from the sale of this book will be handed over
to their fund.
The
compilation of the statistical portions of the work has involved
correspondence with commanding officers, pipe presidents and pipe majors
of many units in the Imperial armies; to them, for their enthusiastic
assistance in obtaining information, is due the credit for the mass of
detail that has been made available.
To the other contributors—authors, artists and
poets—is due in large measure such success as may follow the publication
of this work. They have helped a cause worthy of their efforts.
It is earnestly to be hoped that Scotland will
rise to the occasion. To the compilers it has been a privilege to record
the achievements of men— many of them personal friends—who contributed
so largely to the success of their gallant regiments.
Callum Beaumont - Piobaireachd Winner
Glenfiddich Solo Piping Competition 2022
Royal Regiment of Scotland parade at
Edinburgh Castle 2023
Edinburgh Castle on 25 March 2023
Regimental Remembrance Day
00:00:00 Green Hills of Tyrol/ When the
Battle is O'er/ Scottish Soldier
00:02:52 The Brown Haired Maiden
00:04:39 Scottish Emblem
00:07:31 Garb of Old Gaul
00:08:43 The Thin Red Line
00:14:06 Atholl Highlanders/ Glendareul Highlanders
00:16:00 Highland Cathedral
00:19:35 Scotland the Brave/ Highland Laddie
When the Pipers Play
The original full length version of When The Pipers Play. Winner of four
awards, this is the definitive history of the great Highland bagpipe in
peace and war. Narrated by Hannah Gordon, Tom Conti and Charlton Heston
this compelling story combines inspiring songs with stunning footage,
bringing to then screen a unique insight into one of the world’s most
popular instruments. [external link]
Bagpipes in War - Part 1
Instrument of War Part 1- 'Ladies From Hell' traces the story of the
bagpipes in battle from biblical times to the carnage of the First World
War. Ladies from Hell was a title given to the fierce kilted highlanders
by their enemies. This award winning series is narrated by Tom Conti,
Hannah Gordon and Charlton Heston and features the personal testimonies
of veterans and guests including Prince Charles, Phil Collins, Sir
Jackie Stewart and historians. [external link]
Bagpipes in War - Part 2: Call to the Blood
nstrument of War Part 2 - 'Call To The Blood' traces the effect of the
bagpipe from the battlefields of WW2 to the present day. Its haunting
sound awakens a distant past and the ‘Call To The Blood’ is strong.
Narrated by Tom Conti, Hannah Gordon and Charlton Heston this award
winning series features the personal testimonies of veterans and guests
from historians to Prince Charles, Phil Collins and Sir Jackie Stewart.
[external link]
Scottish Highland Bagpiper On D-Day 1944 WW2
Recollections of the landing.
Military piper begins commemorations in
Normandy on 80th anniversary of D-Day
A military piper started commemorations for the 80th anniversary of
D-Day in Normandy by playing a lament at sea at the exact moment of the
beach invasion in 1944.
Whats in a Tune: Lady Mackenzie of Gairloch
In this episode of What's in a Tune we hear from Margaret Houlihan about
the classic strathspey - Lady Mackenzie of Gairloch.
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