RAF Lossiemouth Pipes and Drums History

Band History

In 1947, a band was formed at RAF Kinloss comprised mainly of national servicemen. Around the same time a band was formed at RAF Edzell with many players coming from the pre war band at RAF Montrose, including the officer in charge, Flt Lt George Sutherland who had secured new tartan for his band, namely Ancient Sutherland. In 1957 the band from Edzell moved to Kinloss who then adopted this tartan and wore it until Kinloss closed. In the mid 90’s both Kinloss and the RAF Lossiemouth band were struggling for numbers so they decided to merge, with the Lossiemouth personnel making the move as they were the smaller of the two. The Kinloss band thrived and enjoyed many years of success in competition. When RAF Kinloss closed in 2012 the band moved again and became the RAF Lossiemouth Pipes & Drums. In 2016 the band adopted the RAF tartan in line with the other RAF pipe bands

The band is composed of service and MoD personnel from RAF Lossiemouth as well as civilians from the local community. The band attends the whole range of traditional highland events as well as parades, official functions, competitions, charity events and has also sent contingents to form part of the Massed RAF Pipes & Drums in tattoos around the world. For many years the band has travelled to Guernsey in conjunction with 201 Squadron (who are affiliated to the island, having been stationed there during WW2) and have provided musical support for the official events held during the visit as well as raising funds for the RAFA Battle of Britain Wings Appeal, with over £100,000 being raised to date. The green and white hackles proudly worn in the glengarry prior to 2016 represented the colours of Guernsey but are no longer worn since the change to the blue RAF tartan.

Colour Photo of Pipe Band Leading Parade

The Pipe Major is currently Barry Ashby. Barry took over as Pipe Major in 1990 and has been at the helm ever since. The band reached its competing peak in 1995 winning 38 trophies, 30 of which were for first place. They included the Grade 4 and Grade 3 Champions of the North of Scotland and the North of Scotland Champion of Champions in both piping and drumming. Also that year the band was placed fourth in the British and second in the Scottish Championships. During this period the band won the RAF Pipe Band Championships for an unprecedented nine years in succession. The Drum Sergeant is currently Ieuan Johnson. Ieuan has been with us for four years and has been in charge of the Drum Corps since March 23. In 2001 the band was promoted to Grade 3b but is now back to Grade 4a at their request following posting and retirement of several key players. New members are always welcome; contact can be made through our website or Facebook page.