Royal Air Force Pipe Bands

The Royal Air Force currently has five Scottish Pipe Bands spread around the United Kingdom. Over the years there have been many more, but as Stations such as St Athan and RAF Germany have closed the bands have gone too. The current five bands are RAF Central Scotland, RAF Halton, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Waddington and 2622 Sqn. As well as doing jobs all over the UK and the rest of the world, all five bands have competed in Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Contests with great success.

RAF Central Scotland

The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums, formerly known as RAF Leuchars Pipes and Drums prior to the station’s transition to Army, is one of the oldest Pipe Bands within the RAF and is believed to have originated from 1947. With assistance from Pipe Major Ian Hughes, the band endeavours to preserve and encourage the piping and drumming traditions of the Royal Air Force. Facebook

RAF Halton

RAF Halton started as a training establishment for the Royal Flying Corps in WWI. The RAF continues to use it for training today, although the tradition of marching Apprentices daily to the workshops ceased in 1996. The Pipes and Drums continue to feature around the Station, as well as on parades shows, TV, etc. They are also regular contributors to the RAF Pipes and Drums at Tattoos both at home and overseas. Website Facebook

RAF Lossiemouth

In 1947, a band was formed at RAF Kinloss and around the same time a band was formed at RAF Edzell with many players coming from the pre war band at RAF Montrose and in 1957 the band from Edzell moved to Kinloss. In the mid 90’s both Kinloss and the RAF Lossiemouth band were struggling for numbers so they decided to merge. When RAF Kinloss closed in 2012 the band became the RAF Lossiemouth Pipes & Drums. Facebook

RAF Waddington

RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums was formed in January 1967 as the 1 Group (Bomber Command) Pipes and Drums: from those early days the band has gone from strength to strength and is currently one of the largest pipe bands in the armed services. Held in high regard across the piping community the Waddington Pipes and Drums are in great demand. Website Facebook

2622 (Highland) Squadron

2622 Highland Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment was formed in 1979 and it is quite unique in being the only Squadron within the RAF Regular or Reserves to have its own Pipes & Drums. The band itself was formed in 1999. The tartan is Grey Douglas and was originally approved by King George V in 1933 for the Pipe Bands of the Scottish Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons. Website Facebook