01 Aug 1999 | Edinburgh Military Tattoo
In 1999, after just over two years of planning, fundraising and preparation, the band traveled to Edinburgh to perform with the Massed Pipes and Drums in the 50th Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The band performed with military pipe bands including the 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforths, Gordons, & Camerons); 1st Battalion The Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders, The Royal Tank Regiment, The Queen’s Royal Hussiers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, the Royal Air Force Leuchars Pipes and Drums and the bands of Scotlands University Officers’ Training Corps.
After completing 4 days of intense rehearsals on the parade square of Redford Barracks and the Castle Esplanade, the band performed 24 shows at the Castle in 21 days. On Tuesday, August 24th, with the Chief Constable in attendance as an honored guest of the Tattoo, Staff Sgt. Hugh Peden had the honour of being the Lone Piper high up the Castle ramparts performing the old standard – “Sleep Deary Sleep”.
During the last show, Retired Pipe Major Andy Perrie was honored by the Tattoo for his 48 years of continuous service in the Vancouver Police Pipe Band – only two years less than the Tattoo’s 50 years of shows.