Canadian Army musicians perform at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

September 4, 2019 — Defence Stories

In August, Canadian Armed Forces musicians proudly participated in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, an international spectacle that has celebrated cultural diversity and military tradition for nearly 70 years.

Reservist musicians from the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment (RHR) of Canada, supported by the Nova Scotia Highlanders, participated in the spectacle.

“I was honoured to be the drum major of the Canadian Armed Forces contingent during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and was blown away by the show and the hospitality of the British military,” said Sergeant Elisha Miller of the Nova Scotia Highlanders.

Traditions displayed by the military pipe band are one of the ways that the Canadian Armed Forces communicate their values with Allies and the rest of the world. These serve as a portal between generations, allowing a means of connecting past and present, while honouring those who built the traditions that are carried on today.

“Participating in this year’s show has been one of the true highlights of my military career. Working closely with the British Black Watch has deepened my appreciation for our shared regimental history, and demonstrates how much we benefit, both professionally and culturally, when militaries from different countries work together,” said Private Alec McGuckin of the Black Watch RHR of Canada.

Between the commanding presence of the massed pipes and drums, the joyous sounds of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, the ancient Maori Haka performed by the New Zealand Army Band and more, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2019 was truly a collection of beautiful intercontinental rituals.

“The Canadian Armed Forces pipers and drummers were committed to putting on astounding performances from the outset until the very last show on August 24th,” said Corporal Ian Leblanc of the Nova Scotia Highlanders.

Indeed, these Canadian military members have now become part of the rich history of their respective regiments, a centuries-old British military pipe band tradition, and Edinburgh Castle itself.