History
The modern history of the Arbroath Pipe Band can be traced back to 1972, as outlined below. However, piping, drumming, and pipe bands in Arbroath have a much longer and richer heritage that stretches back well beyond this date.
To explore this rich history in greater depth, view the archive section below made possible through the outstanding research of Piping Routes.
Archive
Our archive explores “The History, The People, and The Legacy” of piping, drumming, and pipe bands in Arbroath.
The information presented here has been generously donated to the Arbroath Pipe Band by Piping Routes.
Piping Routes is an initiative based in the Angus area of Scotland, where civilian pipe bands originated in 1878. The project is dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the history and stories of local pipe bands.
The Legacy section focuses on engaging school pupils at Primary 6 and Primary 7 level across Angus. Through “Come and Try” days held in schools, young people are encouraged to take up piping and drumming, with tuition and ongoing support available through local pipe bands, such as ourselves.
The history of piping in Arbroath continues to have international reach. The Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band, a well-known Canadian Grade 4 youth band has strong historical link to Arbroath. Their founding Pipe Major, Pipe Major Robert Fraser of Arbroath, Scotland (1922-2012) arrived in Canada in 1957. When Mr. Fraser arrived in Winnipeg, the Manitoba Scout Council asked him to start a Boy Scout pipe band.
The Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band still operating today and makes the trip to Arbroath from time to time.
