The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

Midlands Branch

"Spotlight" on

Shirley Pipe Band

Shirley Pipe Band is based in Solihull, 10 miles outside of Birmingham. The band was formed when it evolved from an established Scout Drum and Bugle Band to specialise in the Great Highland Bagpipe (see the Pictures in the History Section). We have maintained our links with the Scout movement, and to this day are a section of 1st Shirley Scout Group. We will be celebrating our 45th Anniversary in 2007.

The band flourishes through the long-term commitment of its members. Some have remained in the band since its creation and are joined by their sons and daughters. Further members have been recruited locally, or have joined from the scout group.

Unlike some of the other bands within the Midlands Branch we are not a competition-based band and perform for the general public at various events.

We perform at anything from the smallest private events to the largest public functions. From weddings to carnivals and also "surprise" parties to recently the televised show of Celebrity Soccer Six at Birmingham City Football Club in conjunction with Sky TV. We are regularly invited back for repeat bookings, having fulfilled some engagements every year for more than ten years. On many occasions we have undertaken overseas bookings, spending long weekends in Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany.

Our repertoire includes around 60 tunes, with a wide selection of marches complemented by airs, strathspeys and reels. These are mainly traditional tunes from Scotland and the rest of Great Britain, supplemented by some of our own compositions.

The central part of our uniform is the Hunting Stewart tartan, worn by permission of Her Majesty the Queen. Being of Hunting pattern, the predominant colour is green, with bands of red, yellow, and dark blue.

We have in fact two uniforms, to suit the needs of the occasion and the likely weather / temperature conditions. The Hunting Stewart kilt is worn with both uniforms, with either a scarlet tunic, or a lighter- weight claret Argyll jacket.

f you are interested in booking the Shirley Pipe Band for your event or if you live locally and want to get involved in Piping or Drumming – then please visit the Branch Bands link and drop a line to our secretary. If you don’t live in our area see if there is one locally to you from the list of others bands, which are associated with the Midlands Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. – Thank you for reading.