The Band of the Scots Guards

Band of the Scots Guards leaving Buckingham Palace

The musical face of the Third Regiment of foot guards, the Band of the Scots Guards has existed since 1716. Though small, the band expanded throughout the 19th century and is currently over 50 strong and is based at Wellington Barracks in London. It can usually be heard providing musical support for public duties such as The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle, as well as being involved in various ceremonial events throughout the year such as Trooping the Colour, Beating the Retreat, the Lord Mayor’s Show, State Visits and so on.

The band spent part of the First World War entertaining troops at Ypres and also at the Somme in 1916. The Second World War saw the band entertaining on the home front both in public and over the radio. In more recent years the band were the only foot guards band to be deployed on active service in the Gulf War as part of Operation GRANBY in 1990, where they were primarily engaged in support to 33 Field Hospital.

The band has supported British military music across the world; it took a central role in the formative years of the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and also participated in the Tattoo’s first international tour to New Zealand in the year 2000. The band performed back in Scotland at the Tattoo last summer, then in its 69th year.

The Band of the Scots Guards is unique among the footguards bands in having the addition of the Pipes and Drums to its ranks, instantly recognisable in their elaborate uniform of the Scottish kilt, sporran, spats and brogues.

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