Scots Guards Band
The Band
The musical face of the Third Regiment of Foot Guards, The Band of The Scots Guards, has been in existence since The Regiment was brought into the English establishment in 1716.
Though small, the band expanded through the 19th century with 32 performers in 1838 and grew to 44 musicians by 1888.
The Band of The Scots Guards has supported British Military Music across the world, taking a central role in the formative years of the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – now in its 74th year – and was also part of the Tattoo’s first International Tour to New Zealand in 2000.
The Band has always been proud of its heritage, which can be heard when it performs its rousing Scottish marches, many of which were composed by a former Director of Music, Major ‘Jimmy’ Howe.
Often working alongside The Pipes and Drums of The Battalion, The Band of the Scots Guards can be counted upon to provide the very best in British State and Ceremonial musical support.
The uniform of The Scots Guards is distinguishable from the other Foot Guard regiments, by the thistles on the collars, the lack of plume in the Bearskin Caps, and tunic buttons being grouped in three.
RCAM 30 Legacy Recordings
Edinburgh Castle – Duncan Beat LVO
The march Edinburgh Castle was written by Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Beat, former Director of Music of the Band of the Scots Guards, a prolific composer of marches and light music, with a unique Scottish flavour. This march is synonymous with the band and is often performed as the band approaches Horse Guards Parade for Trooping of the Colour, including the introduction of pipes at the Trio, whenever the Pipes and Drums accompany the band on parade.
Crags of Tumbledown – James Riddell, arr. Gray
The Crags of Tumbledown is a setting of the bagpipe tune composed by Pipe Major Riddell in the immediate aftermath of the Battle for Tumbledown Mountain in the Falklands War. It has since become a favourite with audiences and particularly with the Regiment’s veterans, and it is routinely featured on Regimental events.
The Coyles of Muick – Kane McLeod
Coyles of Muick was the winning entry to the Band of the Scots Guards Composition Competition 2023, sponsored by 1st Battalion Scots Guards. It encapsulates the spirit of Balmoral and the Coyles of Muick running through the Scottish Royal Estate and it was written in memory of the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip. It features a Bagpipe duet and further supports the connection between the Band and the Battalion.