Our Heritage & History

1936: The Beginning

2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Sutherland Pipe Band, a milestone that solidifies our place as one of the oldest pipe bands in the United States. Our story began in April 1936, when we were first organized as the 'Boston Scottish Highlanders.' Founded through the generosity of Scottish emigrant George Wallace—who personally funded the uniforms and equipment for our original 20 pipers and drummers—the band began its legacy under the leadership of our first Pipe Major, Andrew McKillop, who served until 1951.

The 1970s: The Competitive Peak

Under the leadership of the late Pipe Major Hamilton "Hammy" Workman, the Sutherland Pipe Band reached new heights on the international stage. In 1975, the band traveled to Scotland to face the world’s best, competing with distinction at the prestigious Cowal and Rothesay Games.

The following year brought a historic milestone: In 1976, Sutherland became the first U.S. Pipe Band in history to win the Canadian National Championship in Grade II—a hard-fought victory that cemented the band's reputation across North America.

A Tradition of Excellence

In 1978, Hammy’s Pipe Sergeant, Dan Mooney, took over the leadership of the band. Having played with several world-class ensembles in both the U.S. and Scotland, Dan brought a deep mastery of traditional piping methods to the ranks. Under his direction, the band continued its winning streak, securing top honors in Grades IV, III, and II throughout the late seventies and into the eighties.

1991 – Present: A New Era

In 1991, the band officially established its independence, formally adopting the name “Sutherland Pipe Band” and securing its status as a registered non-profit organization. While the Clan Sutherland Society’s direct sponsorship eventually ended, the band members took it upon themselves to keep the tradition alive, continuing the annual Burns Night celebrations as a cornerstone of the band's social calendar.

Competitive Resurgence

The 1990s marked a return to high-level competition both at home and abroad. The band competed in Scotland at the Bridge of Allan in 1987, and made successful trips to Maxville, Ontario in 1993 and 1995. In 1992, the ranks were bolstered by the election of Drum Sergeant Jack Giunta, whose leadership helped propel Sutherland to an impressive 3rd Place Grade IV Champion Supreme finish in 1995

The Gift of the Sutherland Tartan

In 1996, while performing as guests of a Bermuda army unit at Heritage Plantation, the band caught the eye of a spectator with deep Sutherland roots. Moved by the performance, he offered to purchase the full set of Sutherland Tartan kilts that the band wears to this day—a tribute to his mother, who was herself a Sutherland.

Evolution of Leadership

Leadership transitions ensured the band's steady growth through the turn of the century: 

• 1997: Peter Henderson—famously known for playing the lament “Flowers of the Forest” on global news during the 1975 Concord Bicentennial—stepped in as Pipe Major.

• 1999–2010: Dan Mooney returned as Pipe Major, leading the band through a stable decade of growth until his retirement in 2010.

• Mid-2010s: Frank Igoe served as Pipe Major, guiding the band through the mid-2010s as it approached its current 90th-year milestone.