The Muir Brothers from Kirkcaldy in Fife helped make history once again! The last few weeks has seen them perform both alone and together marking historical occasions in British history.
Fife identical twins honour HM The King
Identical twin brothers, Colour Sergeant James and Sergeant Peter Muir, from Kirkcaldy in Fife made Regimental history last year when they became the first identical twins to hold the prestigious role of Pipe Major and Drum Major in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS).
It is not unusual for Pipers to compose pipe tunes to mark special occasions and to mark the move of the Stone of Destiny from Edinburgh Castle in preparation for the Coronation, Pipe Major James Muir, composed a new uplifting pipe tune called “The Stone Of Destiny”. This marked the unique ceremonial move, having had the blessing from the Lord Lyon King of Arms. He was also given the honour of performing the piece as the Stone began its journey to Westminster Abbey.
Pipe Major James Muir also played; Highland Laddie, Black Bear, and the Atholl Highlanders in support of this ceremony alongside his fellow 3 SCOTS soldiers who provided the Quarter Guard and representing the British Army in Scotland.
Pipe Major James Muir said: “The tune was written to be an uplifting tune, as it is by no means a sad occasion, using the full scale of the chanter to show the stone doing its full circle back to Scotland after the event.”
He also stated: “I was very proud to be part of something that is so crucial to the Coronation and Scotland. More so for when my daughter Lucy learns about the Royal Family and the Coronation in a few years. She will be able to say, my dad was there!”
I was very proud to be part of something that is so crucial to the Coronation and Scotland. More so for when my daughter Lucy learns about the Royal Family and the Coronation in a few years. She will be able to say, my dad was there!
Following this ceremony Pipe James Muir joined his brother Drum Major Peter Muir as they made their way to London to participate in the Coronation. Another momentous moment for the brothers, rehearsing and then performing together at a profile and historic event.
Pipe Major James Muir said: “It’s been a historic last 12 months being in the Pipes and Drums; with celebrating the jubilee, taking part in the funeral of the Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and now performing in the Coronation of His Majesty The King. To do all three occasions with my brother makes it even more special. To then be able to write my own tune for The Stone of Destiny as part of the Coronation is a historic moment for myself.”
Drum Major Peter Muir said: “To share such profile events with my brother has been special, truly once in a lifetime opportunities.”
Both brothers are former students at St Andrews High School in Kirkcaldy, joining the British Army in 2006 as junior soldiers, initially attending the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. Pipers and Drummers are an integral part of the Battalions; soldiers first and foremost, they are dual trained as assault pioneers and serve with the Regiment in conflicts all over the world. A testament of the versatility it takes to be part of this unique group of soldiers.
Prior to the Coronation, Pipe Major James Muir completed the Machine Gun Platoon Commanders Course and before Christmas Drum Major Peter Muir completed the Platoon Sergeant’s Battle Course, both significant achievements enhancing and refining their military skills.