Gordonstoun Pipe Band has celebrated its 70th anniversary with a special performance at the school’s annual Highland Games.
The Band is very much in demand and has supported the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Scottish rock band Skerryvore at various music concerts across the country.
The Pipe Band also regularly plays at the annual Braemar Gatherings attended by HM King Charles. The King, who played the chanter as a student at the school, awarded the Band special commemorative medals for playing the pipes during the Coronation celebrations in Scotland in 2023.
There are now more than 150 students piping and drumming in the school every week.
The Pipe Band itself has between 35 and 40 students from eight different nationalities, including Swiss and Brazilian, aged between eight and 18 years.
Saturday’s event (3 May), hosted by Gordonstoun, was attended by 13 primary schools in Moray competing in a range of traditional activities such as ‘Tossing the Caber’ and ‘Tug o’ War’. Chieftain of the Games was Cameron Barnes, a former member of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and who previously featured in the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.
The Pipe Band was one of the big attractions at the event, where they were joined by 18 former pipers, including a father whose two daughters currently play in the Band. Many of the students were first introduced to the pipes through a programme at Gordonstoun’s Prep School, that ensures every child plays a musical instrument.
At the Games, the Band celebrated their anniversary by entertaining school children and spectators by playing a range of traditional tunes, including Mairi’s Wedding and Scotland the Brave.
Gordonstoun Piping Instructor Scott Oliphant added:
“It was wonderful for the former students to come back and be part of the current band. They relished playing with so many pipers and drummers at the same time. It was a tremendous spectacle on the day.
“There has been a tremendous amount of effort and dedication in getting to this point, The game changer was when the Prep school was established, which allowed us to introduce the pipes and drums to children at a younger age.”
Students from the school have gone on to join the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, which pipers and drummers must pass auditions to join. The band’s past Lead Drummer, the senior pupil in charge of the drummers and who plays the lead ‘solo’ parts in tunes, has also been part of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo band for the last two years.
Gordonstoun Drumming teacher Scott Niven said:
“The big appeal about the band is that there is no age limit, and the older students play a big role in mentoring the younger children.
“We have lots of different nationalities in the band and there is a great team ethic which encourages the students to become responsible for everything from checking all the equipment to ensuring they are on stage on time.
“The band has evolved over the past 70 years to remain relevant, such as taking place in freestyle events and competitions, where the students wear a kilt and t-shirt and add in instruments such as keyboards and electric guitars.”
The Highland Games have been taking place at the school for more than 30 years, providing a sporting challenge for school children in the spirit and tradition of a highland games format.
Children also took part in ‘Hurling the Haggis’, alongside races, an obstacle course and Highland Dancing. Service to others and working with the local community is a key pillar of the educational experience at Gordonstoun, with funds raised from the Games given to local charities. More than £102,000 has been raised for deserving causes in the past 10 years.
Cath Lyall, Gordonstoun Head of Prep School, said:
“This fantastic annual tradition, which spans over 30 years, celebrates the spirit and challenge of a traditional games, providing school children with an exciting and competitive sporting experience. This year, the funds raised will support two incredible charities, Moray Food Plus and The Warehouse at the Elgin Youth Café.”
Cameron Barnes, Chieftain of the Games, said:
“I have experienced some amazing highs over the years, including being on the BGT stage, but I have never been a Chieftain at a Highland Games before. I’m really excited about seeing all the children competing in everything from Tossing the Caber to Hurling the Haggis. I previously performed at West Beach Sessions with the Gordonstoun Pipe Band and hopefully I can join them for a tune or two.”
Gordonstoun also hosted its annual ‘GA Day’ on Saturday organised by the Gordonstoun Association, whose patron is HM The King.
King Charles accepted patronage of the Gordonstoun Association, to mark the first anniversary of his Coronation. The role previously held by his father, Prince Philip, who also attended Gordonstoun. The association exists to strengthen links between the school and its former students and staff.
Categories: Gordonstoun School News
