Geelong Highland Pipe Band History

The Geelong Highland Pipe Band is the original highland band in the Geelong area.

The band was formed in the late 1870's as the Communn Na Fienne band within the Communn Na Fienne organization.  The name is literally Community of Friends or Friendly Society.

In 1935 the name Geelong Highland Pipe Band was adopted.

Over the years the band has competed in virtually all venues in the state and at several interstate locations. At present the band does not compete but sets out to entertain the public with highland dress turnout and a wide repertoire of music.

As well as many engagements in the Geelong district the band has performed at many other locations including Beech Forest, Melton, Colac, Ararat, Maryborough, Ballarat, Caroline Springs Werribee and Altona. The Band has been a regular at Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale for their ANZAC Day marches and services since 1953.

Similarly the Band has been a regular performer in the Geelong Gala Day procession, which is in aid of the Geelong Hospital. In fact several of our members have records of attendance at this parade in excess of 50 years.

The Band wears the McKenzie tartan and uniform costs are covered by the band. More info about the McKenzie Clan is available here.

The badge displays a stag's head with the motto "Cuidich 'N Righ" meaning "Help the King". The motto and stag's head come from the heroic rescue of King Alexander III by Colin MacCoinneach in 1263 who saved the king from a charging stag by shooting it dead with an arrow.