In 1893 a chemist by the name of Pipe Major Peter MacDonald founded the Perth and District Pipe Band. (He was also P/M of 4thVolunteer Battalion Royal Highlanders) Very little is held on this chapter in the bands history , but we do have a Drum Majors Mace engraved with Perth and District Pipe Band 1899.
After 1905 when the leadership of the band was taken over by Pipe Major James Peggie, the band started to practice in the Cherrybank School which lead the band to be nicknamed the Cherrybank or Cherrywink Pipe Band later nicknamed Feichneys Pipe band after practicing in the Feichney institute, and Perth and District Prize Pipe Band during the 1930’s.
Old Band Photo
During the First World War most of the band enlisted and served His Majesties Forces (see Roll of Honour)
Band Meeting Churchill
The founder’s agreement was created by P/M Peggie in June 1911; this agreement gave him full control over the band. Throughout his time as pipe major the band thrived winning numerous competitions, solidifying itself as integral part of the community, released a set of recordings in 1933 and welcomed the Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the Perth Ice Rink in 1948!
P/M James Peggie was Pipe Major until his death in 1949 when the leadership was passed onto his brother William Peggie. In order to share the control of the band a full committee was created consisting of band members which has continued today.
Band at The Perth Show August 1983
The band wore the Royal Stewart tartan until the early 1990s where it was changed to the New Perthshire Muted and is shown here.
New Perth Tartan
To mark the longstanding relationship with the band, the Provost Dr John Hulbert presented on behalf of the Perth and Kinross Council a Pipe banner in 2011. At the same time the Pipe Major was appointed to the position of City Piper, restoring an arrangement dating back to the 1700s of a ” Town Piper” ,This fell by the wayside in 1975 when Perthshire was swallowed up within Tayside Region.
A Duthie Receiving City Piper 15th May 2011
City of Perth Piper Certificate 15th May 2011
The bands Patrons are
- Provost Dennis Melloy
- Dr John Hulbert
Honorary membership has played an important part in recognising the service of members who have shown exceptional commitment to the band.
- Honorary president
- Former Honorary Member Alex Dingwall Alex’s History.
Alex Dingwall Presented Honorary Membership 21st Feb 2008
If you have any information or pictures of the band please get in contact as we would very much like to hear from you!