The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Band
Formed in 2006, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Band SCOTS) is the only full time British Army Band in Scotland.
Scottish musical military tradition dates back to when Clan Chieftains employed Seannachies (Bards) to record their triumphs in music and song. Despite the Scottish soldier being inextricably linked with the imagery of Pipes and Drums, there is also a long tradition of marching military bands in Scotland. It is recorded as early as 1763 that there was a Band of the Royal Regiment of Foot, which were later to become The Royal Scots, antecedents of the current First Battalion.
Established to assume the traditional roles of the Bands of the Scottish Infantry Regiments, Band SCOTS supports the British Army and the State at all ceremonial occasions which occur in Scotland – including Garden Parties, State Banquets and Guards of Honour held at The Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Balmoral.
The band continues to assert itself as a leader within the world of military music, routinely featuring at the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and it is in constant demand to perform at Music Festivals across the globe.
The sight of forty soldiers wearing the iconic kilts and plaids of the military highland dress, whilst performing music to the highest standards continues to excite audiences and instils pride in service personnel.
RCAM 30 Legacy Recordings
Pentland Hills – Jimmy Howe MBE
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland finds its home at the foot of the striking Pentland Hills that overlook Edinburgh. Composed by a former Bandmaster of an antecedent SCOTS Band, Pentland Hills is one of the most often played marches by the band to this day.
Hymn of the Highlands – Philip Sparke arr. Smith
The adapted Hymn of the Highlands for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) in 2022, is another work often performed by the band when on duty at Edinburgh Castle or at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Garden Parties. The original version is a large symphonic suite with a concoction of traditional Scottish melodies cleverly constructed together by Philip Sparke. The previous Regional Bands Commanding Officer, Lt Col Mike Smith completed this arrangement and conducted the work performed by the massed bands from the Regional Bands HQ on the REMT 22.
The Parting Glass – Trad. arr. Macpherson
The Celtic tune The Parting Glass, is a song is often sung at the end of a gathering of friends with ‘the parting glass’, the final hospitality offered to a departing guest.