Editor's note: This is part two of an article celebrating Tartan Day in Vernon, Sunday, April 6; the focus is on pipe bands
Vernon has a unique history involving pipe bands going back to 1936 with the start of the Kildonnan Pipe Band.
It was named after Alex McCulloch's Farm in Scotland, and the band was outfitted with traditional red and green tunics, plaids and kilts in the MacBeth tartan. After being inactive for a number of years the band was reactivated by Son's of Scotland Camp #166. The band was dissolved in the early 1960s.
In February, 1946, Hilma Foote approached her father about starting an all-girls pipe band. Horace Foote, who had been drum major for the Kildonnan Pipe Band, agreed to the idea, and in December 1947, a newly formed girls band made its debut at the Rotary Ice Carnival. Initially the band did not have a defining name.
At the suggestion of Mrs. Foote, 'McIntosh' was added to the Girl's Pipe Band name as a tie-in with the local fruit industry. Mclntosh kilts were made for the band members and many local businesses contributed funds for the purchase of equipment. By the summer of 1948, the band began a series of engagements throughout B.C., Alberta and the States, playing at parades, festivals, sports days, dinners, celebrations, and pipе competitions. In Vernon, they played for visiting celebrities and royals.
The Foote family had a large role in the band. Hilma was pipe major until 1959. Her father was the director and first drum major, as well as chaperone. Mrs. Foote also acted as chaperone on many trips. Mr. and Mrs. Foote retired from their duties in 1959.
The same year, Malcolm McCulloch took over as director and McCulloch's Aerated Waters became the band's sponsors. In 1967, the Walker Sangster family became the band managers. They continued to manage the band until 1980 when, due to extensive changes in competition and waning interest, the band was dissolved (Memory BС).
Currently in Vernon there are two pipe bands operating; Kalamalka Highlanders (KHPB) who celebrated their 40th Anniversary in November of 2024. Their tartan, Portree of Sky, is a grey and maroon design, and with burgundy jackets they are easy to spot.
Pipe majors for KHPB have been Reg Scott (20 years), Don Macleod, and Gordon Mathers. Maureen Soichuk, current pipe major, is a former Vernon McIntosh piper. Kalamalka Highlanders also coordinated the Aaran Campbell Memorial Youth Pipe Band. Kalamalka Highlanders information can be found on Facebook.
Also operating in Vernon, since October 2012, is the North Okanagan Pipes and Drums, under the direction of Pipe Major Don Macleod, and joined by several former members of the Kalamalka Highlanders. The band has a presence on Facebook, and wears the Ancient MacBeth tartan to recognize the roots of several member of the Kildonnan Pipe Band.
Tom Skinner is a member of the Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band, and Sons of Scotland, Kildonnan Camp, # 166 Vernon
