Scotch College

Pipes and Drums history launched at Ross Campbell farewell dinner

Words: David Kemp

‘A valuable history, an enjoyable read; and, for those of the band, a delightful piece to reminisce on.’

Launching ‘The Pipes and Drums of Scotch College Melbourne’, John Reid (’55) said it was ‘easily accessible, and a beautifully designed book. It seems to be designed as a delight to thumb through or to read complete’.

John launched the book at a farewell dinner for the retiring Teacher-in-Charge of Pipes and Drums, Ross Campbell, at Leonda on 16 October.

The book is authored by Stephen Matthews and David Kemp on behalf of the parents’ auxiliary of the Pipes and Drums. The authors are donating all proceeds from the book to the auxiliary for the further development of the band.

Describing the book as ‘a valuable history, an enjoyable read and, for those of the band, a delightful piece to reminisce on,’ John said.

He said: ‘It tells of difficult times and stirring times, and illustrates the majority of the bands and many of the great characters who have been involved over the years.’

The book is lavishly illustrated with colour and historic photographs.

In his foreword to the book, the Principal, Dr Gordon Donaldson, writes: ‘I expect there will be interest in the story beyond band members, because it is a part of the story of Scotch’s growth as a school, of the continuing interest in Scottish culture around the world, and of the value placed on that culture by many who do not themselves have Scottish roots’.

John Reid was a side drummer in the band between 1953 and 1955. These days he conducts a private architectural practice with his brother, having graduated from Melbourne University in 1961, winning the Sir Arthur Stephenson Medal.

John matriculated equal dux in art in ’55, and while he must have been pleased with that, his graphic skills got him into trouble when he put a cartoon of a regular army warrant officer on the cadet notice board, and was summoned to the front of the next unit parade by CO Frank ‘Faf’ Fleming to explain. The story is told in the book.

He later won an international competition to design the Australian tartan.

The book is available for $80 through the Accounts Department at Scotch.

Robyn and Ross Campbell with John Marshall, President of the Pipes and Drums Auxiliary and Cameron Marshall (Yr 9)

Stephen Matthews and David Kemp – authors of the Pipes and Drums History

Hamish McKenzie, John and Sally McKenzie with Pipe Major Lachlan McKenzie.