Our story

Welcome to Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band!

We are a pipe band based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, performing under the direction of Pipe Major Rich Smith.

Our motto:

“Fortem Tempestatem”

Strong Storm

Our History

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band was founded in the early 1990s in Portchester by members of the Seaforth Highlanders, Queen’s Own Highlanders, Black Watch, Royal Hampshire Regiment, Maritime RCT, and REME.

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band were originally known as Tulloch Ard, a Gaelic phrase meaning “high hill”, .

Following a brief merger with the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service Band, we subsequently re-established ourselves as an independent pipe band in Marchwood during the late 1990s.

A New Chapter

Today, Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band is entering an exciting new era. After many years performing at events throughout the South of England and overseas, we have expanded our focus to include competitive playing. Our debut competition season marked an important milestone, with the band achieving podium finishes in our very first year.

Our Tartan

For many years, Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band proudly wore the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan. Then, in 2024, we adopted the distinctive Kintyre Storm tartan. This marked an exciting new chapter while continuing to celebrate our Scottish heritage.

The Kintyre Storm tartan belongs to the Kintyre collection. It takes inspiration from the Kintyre Peninsula on Scotland’s west coast. Its rich navy and soft grey tones reflect the surrounding seas and ever-changing skies. As a result, the design captures the dramatic landscapes and weather that make the region so distinctive.