Air Command Pipes & Drums Returns Again

By: Kincardine Scottish Festival Posted: June 2, 2009

The Air Command Pipes & Drums will once again appear onstage at the Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

The Air Command Pipes & Drums are a Regular Force Pipe Band located at CFB Uplands in Ottawa. Officially stood up on October 1949, the Air Command Pipes & Drums boasts the unique distinction in the Canadian Forces of having the longest period of continuous Pipe Band service.

The Air Command Pipes & Drums is under the leadership of Pipe Major Sergeant Katherine Buckland. Sergeant Buckland made history in 2009 by being the first female pipe major of a regular force band in the Canadian Forces. Drum Major, Gary Shannon, is a valued member, joining the band in 1961 and serving until present day.

The strength of the Band is presently 35 members and is comprised of Military, retired Military and members from the local community. With the exception of the Pipe Major and Drum Instructor, Master Warrant Officer Douglas Kraft, all members of the Band are volunteers.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is proudly the only Air Force in the world with its own authroized Tartan. The Tartan was approved for use in August 1942 by the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland.

The Band has participated in many overseas and local performances over the years, including such events as: President John F. Kennedy's state visit in 1961, Seattle World's Fair in 1962, Canadian Forces Centennial Tattoo in 1967, Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1981 and the Memorial Service and Parade in New York City, April 2002, to honour the victim's of September 11th.

The Air Command Pipes & Drums has the disctinction of playing each year at the National War Memorial for Remembrance Day.