Royal Air Force Pipe Band Association
RAFPBA RAF bands

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 Cosford, RAF Halton, RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Waddington. As well as doing jobs all over the UK and the rest of the world, our 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 Cosford

RAF Cosford in Shropshire is a major part of the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT). It is at the centre of the RAF’s mission to deliver flexible, affordable, modern and effective technical training that meets the needs of the UK’s Armed Forces now and into the future. RAF Cosford is also home to the popular RAF Museum and the world-renowned Cosford Airshow and the band has played at both. The Pipes and Drums are decended from the No1 School of Technical Training and its days at RAF Halton.

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

 

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