The band is currently signed to the major label DECCA (formerly Universal Classics & Jazz) and has released two albums.

The first album "Spirit of the Glen" was runner up at the Classical BRIT awards in 2008 and the second album "Spirit of the Glen: Journey" won the title of NS&I Album of the Year at this year's Classical BRIT AWARDS - the first time a military band and non professional group has achieved such an accolade.

The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have their roots in the small pipe band which came to the Royal Scots Greys in 1946. This came about as a result of the demobilisation of various Scottish Territorial Armoured Corps units and were the Scots Grey's first official pipers.    

In the past, however, there had been even smaller and quite unofficial pipe bands including one in India in the 1920s which used to perform mounted on horseback. 

The band flourished and famously reached No.1 in the UK Pop Charts for 5 weeks in April 1972 with Amazing Grace. They have successfully competed in the UK and abroad and have toured extensively across the globe.

The Band Today

Today, under the direction of Pipe Major Ross Munro and Drum Major Danny Brown, the band continues to go from strength to strength. It is regarded as the British Army's top Pipes and Drums and is classified as Grade 2 standard.  

Spirit of the Glen was released in 2007 to great acclaim and soon reached the top of the UK Classic Charts. It was the Christmas No.1 and remained there for a total of 14 weeks achieving Platinum status. It was nominated for a Classical BRIT award for Best Album in 2008 and came Runner Up, the first military band to do so.  

The success of 2008 was capped off by the announcement that the Pipe Major at the time, Derek Potter, was to be made the Piper to Her Majesty the Queen.

Spirit of the Glen: Journey was recorded in Basrah, Iraq in 2008; the first professional album to be recorded in a conflict zone. It received world wide praise and won the Classical BRIT award for the NS&I Album of the Year.

Due to Operational commitments, the Pipes and Drums will not be able to compete this year but will be able to perform at the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. There is a tour to Australia and New Zealand planned early in 2010 and the Pipes and Drums will compete that Summer.

The Members

ParadesPipes and Drums soldiers are not just musicians, they are fully trained Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank crewmen who deploy on Operations with the Regiment. They are flexible individuals who are able to both hone their skills on the Challenger 2 whilst maintaining their personal standards as top class musicians.  

Whilst many Pipers and Drummers join the Regiment to play with the Pipes and Drums, there are members who do not play any instruments and have been selected and trained by the Pipe Major and Drum Major. They are now fully qualified members of the Pipes and Drums.

Music

The Pipes and Drums play a vast variety of music. From the standard Pipe Band music for Regimental duties and parades they also play more contemporary pieces involving modern electrical instruments.  

This blend of classic and contemporary can be heard in the album Parallel Tracks which was highly praised by respected Piping experts and magazines aiike. The Pipes and Drums are just at home playing at Royal Parades as playing on stage at a Music Festival.

Recruiting

The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are always looking for new members.

If you are a Piper or Drummer and interested in joining the Army why not get in touch? You will not only have the opportunity to play with the famous Band but we will also train you to become a Challenger 2 Tank Crewman, offer good rates of pay and give you the chance to travel all over the world.

If you would like more information you can call:
Pipes and Drums Office: +49 5162 971 2628
Regimental Home Headquarters: 0131 310 5102

Or you can write to:
The Pipes and Drums
SCOTS DG
BFPO 38 (normal UK postage applies)

Or email: scotsdg-acmo@mod.uk or scotsdg-pipesdrums-pipemajor@mod.uk

Booking the Band

The Pipes and Drums regularly perform at events throughout the world and are available for any type of engagement. The band are well travelled and can perform to suit all occasions whether it is just a piper, a mini band, full band or a full stage concert.

If you are interested in booking the Pipes and Drums please contact the Pipe Major using the contact details above.