Pipes and Drums

The musical traditions of the Highland Regiments have always been important to the Canadian Scottish. Our Regimental marches and duty tunes represent a compilation of tunes inherited from various regiments. One original composition, Ready for the Fray, has been adopted as the Regimental Retreat.

For decades in the British Army and later in the Canadian Army, duty tunes were used as a routine to regulate the soldiers' day. Most Regiments have these tunes in a list, although the practice of playing most of them as a routine has been largely abandoned since the Second World War.

Also contained here are tunes associated with the traditions of Regimental parades, which occur on a periodic basis. On these parades, the Colours, if they are to be carried, are marched on and off parade to separate tunes.

The musical content of our website will continue to evolve over time. We hope to share with you not only our favourite tunes but also some original compositions by current and former members of the Regiment Pipes and Drums.