About Us / The Band History / Support The Band

1890-1938 

Pipe band history in Washington State goes back to the 1890's.  Three bands existed in the Seattle area at that time: the Pipe Band of the Scottish Gaelic Society, the American Legion Rainier-Noble Post Pipe Band, and the Seattle Pipe Band. Pipe majors of this era included John MacDonald and John Ironsides.  By the early 1920's the three bands had united as the Seattle Pipe Band under the direction of legendary PM Alex Gray of Scotland.

The Seattle Pipe Band soon established a reputation for excellence on the contest field, winning the coveted Stewart Trophy in Vancouver, BC, under PM Ben MacPhee in 1938.  However, dissension set in as to whether the band should remain primarily a competition band or should concentrate on being a performance band. The division resulted in the band splitting into two separate bands in 1938.  Those opting to remain a competitive band had now formed the Washington Scottish Pipe Band, with the others remaining with the Seattle Pipe Band.

1938-1945

The Washington Scottish Pipe Band was first led by PM Angus Smith, son of former Seattle Pipe Band member Duncan Smith.  The band’s early years were marked by success both in competition and in performance throughout the western United States and Canada. In 1942 Angus Smith moved to California, and the PM title was turned over to Alastair MacRae, son of longtime band member Alexander MacRae.  This began what was to be a long period of MacRae leadership.

The United States had entered World War II by the time Alastair took over the band, and many band members were called to serve in the war, including Alastair.  As a result, Jack Ritchie took over as acting PM.  The band continued to perform during the war despite its reduced numbers, going so far as to be named an official member of the Washington State Guard. Band members donned military jackets with the WAG insignia and served as the Official Pipe Band of that unit, playing at guard meetings weekly and representing the guards on parade.  Because the unit was a member of the Seventh Cavalry its official pipe tune was "Garry Owen.”  Following the war, the connection with the Guard was severed, and the band no longer performed “Garry Owen.”

1945-

Alastair MacRae rejoined the Washington Scottish Pipe Band after the war and went on to become the band’s longest serving PM. Under his leadership, the band won numerous contests, including the Pacific Northwest Grade III championships. Alastair, a top professional piper, won the individual Open Championship as well before stepping down from the PM role in 1968.  Alastair’s brother Colin then took the band reins for two years.  Colin was followed by Roy Cotton, who served until 1976.  In that year, Alastair MacRae’s nephew Colin Jr. took over the Washington Scottish.  Colin held the PM role until 2000 and led the band to three Grade III Championships, plus a win over the North American Grade II Champions at the Vancouver, BC, Indoor contest in 1988.

Colin was followed by Dave Guthrie, who served in 2000 and 2001.  Kevin Auld led the band from 2002 to 2005, at which point Dave Guthrie returned to the PM role.

 We would like to invite anyone who has historical information to submit it to us.  Anecdotes and photographs would be greatly appreciated.  Please send any information info@wascots.org.  Thank you.