Atholl Highlanders Pipes and Drums

1981

The band first formed in 1981 as the James Reid Pipe Band. Atlanta bagpipers, circa 1981

1983

In 1983, the chief of Clan Murray, George Iain Murray, 10th Duke of Atholl, granted the band permission to wear the Murray of Atholl tartan, to bear the name “Atholl Highlanders,” and to be his representative in North America.

That honor continues today with the permission of His Grace Bruce Murray, 12th Duke of Atholl.

Murray tartan and shield

We are one of only two bands in the world bearing the name Atholl Highlanders. We proudly display the shield of the Murray coat of arms on our sleeves.

Our mission is to bring the music, culture, and drama of the Highlands and Celtic lands to as many as possible.

We have more than 25 band members who play for highland games, festivals, parades, Burns Night celebrations, kirkin’ o’ the tartans, steeplechases, and much more. Our 2015 schedule boasts 15 full-band performances. We also dispatch ensemble groups for many other events as requested.

We perform without charge for a limited number of charity events each year. We are especially fond of piping for Relay for Life events to honor several of our members who are cancer survivors.

Piping home the Georgia National Guard 48th Brigade

Throughout our history, we have played for departing and returning military units and for fallen soldiers. Senior Drum Major Don Bogue, Pipe Major Emeritus Evan Kohler-Camp, and long-time piper Wayne Coleman have all been awarded the Georgia Commendation Medal for the band’s support of the military. We are host band for the annual Blairsville Highland Games, and hosted the 42nd Annual Stone Mountain Highland Games. We have also hosted the Culloden Highland Games, the Alabama Highland Games, and Loch Hartwell Highland Games.

First place, Grade V, Savannah, Georgia 2012

In addition to performing, the band competes regionally at the Grade 5 level. We won first place at the Charleston Scottish Games in 2011, first place at the Savannah Scottish Games in 2012, and third place at the Greenville Scottish Games in 2011.

The band is under the musical direction of Pipe Major Lisa Wight and Drum Sergeant Denise Duncan, and marching direction of Senior Drum Major Don Bogue.