Shortly after Confederation in 1867, the 59^th Stormont and Glengarry Battalion of Infantry, with headquarters in Cornwall, was organized under the authority of a Militia General Order on July 3, 1868, by the amalgamation of Companies of Volunteers Militia from Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Shortly after a pipes and drums band was organized, although it took several years for the band to adopt kilted dress. That happened in the 1920s.

When the 154^th Overseas Battalion from the United Counties was raised in 1915 for service in Europe, it was not allowed to parade as a Highland unit but it did have a pipe band. The Member of Parliament, Mr. John MacMartin, paid to have the unit kilted, and the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire presented a silk flag before the journey overseas.

When World War 11 commenced, the SD&G Highlanders were in Debert, Nova Scotia, completing divisional training before heading overseas. Before this, the pipes and drums won first prize in open competition at the Antigonish Highland Games. Sometime later, two members of the band, Corporal Thomas Marshall and Piper Robert Wishart played for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Both men later served as Pipe Majors of the Regiment.

To this day, The Regimental Pipes and Drums of the SD&G Highlanders is comprised of serving and retired members of the unit as well as civilian members. For 130 years this band has been known for their deep Celtic roots in Glengarry and adherence to the traditions of the Highlanders. Its roots in the Militia Companies of Glengarry, (No. 4 Company, Lancaster, No. 5 Company, Williamstown, and No. 7 Company, Dunvegan) have made outstanding contributions to Celtic music in Glengarry.

“The Counties Own” as it is affectionately called, whether participating in the Glengarry Highland Games, Remembrance Day services throughout SD&G or many cultural events, have always been ambassadors of Celtic music of Glengarry. In November of 2019 they represented the three Counties as the band paraded to the War Memorial in Ottawa. They were heard also in Alexandria as residents reflected on those who made the supreme sacrifice.

As they continue to give countless volunteer hours, practising or at event ceremonies, the men and women of the band are true and unselfish ambassadors of Celtic music and culture. Whether playing in Eastern Ontario, Canada or abroad, we are so blessed and proud to have The Regimental Pipes and Drums of SD&G Highlanders in our community.