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Piper Spotlight

African Skye Pipe Band

Founded in 1998 with roots in Johannesburg and a name that bridges African pride and Scottish tradition, the African Skye Pipe Band is going strong after 27 years.
 
Now in 2025, we’re stepping up. The band has restructured into two competitive units—Grade 3 and Grade 4—each with its own leadership, energy, and drive. With a fresh mix of talent and experience, the music is hitting new heights.
 
We’re hitting the field with bold performances, dynamic sets, and a renewed passion for pipe band excellence. Whether in competition or on parade, you’ll hear us coming.
 

Jeppe Pipe Band

Founded in 1943, the Jeppe Pipe Band is the oldest school pipe band in Johannesburg, based at Jeppe High School for Boys, the band has a proud legacy rooted in tradition, discipline, and musical excellence.

The band comprises pipers and drummers drawn from Jeppe and other local surrounding schools, and over the years has become an integral part of Jeppe’s identity. Beyond its strong competitive record, the Jeppe Pipe Band plays a vital role in school and community life—performing at parades, memorials, concerts, and various public events throughout the year.

The band continues to uphold the rich heritage of pipe band music while embracing new and creative performance opportunities, from traditional Scottish pieces to cross-cultural collaborations. Whether on parade or on stage, the Jeppe Pipe Band delivers a stirring and unforgettable performance every time.

Cape Town Highlanders

The Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders is South Africa’s oldest pipe band, dating back to 1889.

Our slightly unusual name (most pipe bands are referred to as ‘Pipes and Drums’) is a legacy of our connection to the Gordon Highlanders – reputed to be the original military pipe band – who added bagpipes to their drum corps. We continue to play in the Gordon tartan, and our Regiment maintains an alliance with the Gordons’ antecedent regiment ‘The Highlanders’, 4 SCOTS.

The band is made up of an eclectic mix of reserve force volunteers and civilians and performs at a wide range of events including military-ceremonial events and tattoos; Regimental and Regimental Association parades and events; community outreach initiatives; pipe band competitions; and various private functions.

Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders, Sueddafrika (Patrick Straub/V-MEDIA)

The Drums and Pipes are South Africa’s most experienced international pipe band, with an excellent reputation on the world stage. We have been fortunate to have performed at a number of leading international events including the

  • Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2012);
  • the Basel Tattoo (2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024);
  • the Berlin Tattoo (2011);
  • the Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae, South Korea (2009);
  • and were one of only six bands invited to perform at a special event in celebration of the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, UK (2016).

Durban Caledonian Society Pipe Band

The Durban Caledonian Society Pipe Band was reestablished in March 2019 and has continued to grow and has established themselves as one of South Africa’s Premier Pipe Bands.   

The band comprises of a Grade 2 and Grade 4 band which performs in numerous concerts, formal engagements and competitions both locally and nationally.   The Durban Caledonian Society Grade 4 band has chosen this year to combine with the Pietermaritzburg Pipe Band to form the KZN Callies Pipe Band which will be performing for the first time at the South Coast Highland Gathering.  

The bands continue to run a tuition programme both in Durban / Highway Area and Pietermaritzburg for youngsters and adults alike in Bagpiping, Mid-section and Snare and is always looking to bring in new pupils to pass on the knowledge by teaching the wonderful art and continue to grow the band from strength to strength.