The City of Brisbane Pipe Band was formed in 1950,after a meeting at the YMCA in Edward St, Brisbane. Its first Patron was Alderman JR [later Sir John] Chandler. The Band’s Vice Patron was Sir Thomas Hiley, and first Pipe Major [and Secretary] was David McNeill.

President Elect was Sir William Glasgow, Chairman J.S. McNeill, and Treasurer D. Gillespie.  From the early days the McNeill family played a major part in the band both in the administration and ranks.

The Band has competed in Pipe Band Contests since 1958 when they took first place in the C grade competition at Wooroolin and later successes included first place in B grade [Warwick 1965] and first place Queensland B Grade competition in 1981. Later, in 1987 it took first place in grade 4 at the famous Maclean Highland Gathering in northern NSW. Currently the Band is Grade 3 Queensland Champion.

Over the years the Band has played at many important occasions, including the Grand Scottish Festival held in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens in 1954, during the Royal Tour. In the 1970’s the Lord Mayor’s Command Performance was a spectacular entertainment at the Festival Hall and the Band played there in 1972, ’73 and ’74, the last time in the presence of HRH Prince Charles. In 1982 the Band took part in a huge Massed Band Display at the opening of the Commonwealth Games, and in 1986 played at the opening of the Gateway Bridge.

In its early days the Band wore the Anderson tartan , choosing that initially because it was distinctively different from the tartan being worn by many of the other Brisbane bands, but in 1986 adopted the McNeill of Barra tartan to honour the McNeill family who had played such an important role in the life of the Band.

Ian McNeill took over as Pipe Major in 1961 and continued in that role till 1990 . He was greatly loved by the bandsmen . The attributes , among many, for which he was particularly remembered were his dedication to his band, his perseverance in difficulties, his patience, and the friendship and respect he accorded his bandsmen.

Other notable Pipe Majors and tutors of the band have been Donald Mackinnon, a former Pipe Major of the Scottish Regiment the “ King’s Own Scottish Borderers” , Don Mackie, Harry Treeby, and Hugh McLean.

Among the drum corps notable Drum Majors have been Andy Cunningham, Jim Hardy and Ashley Greenslade, and Drum Sergeants Kevin Rookas, Stewart Nelson and Jeff Chandler.

Since the early days the Band has always been fortunate to have eminent Brisbane figures as Patron, including Lord Mayors Sir John Chandler, Alderman Frank Roberts, Alderman Clem Jones, and Alderman Frank Sleeman. Lord Mayor Clem Jones gave permission for the Band to display the crest of the City of Brisbane on its drums and in 1976 the Band paraded in front of the City Hall, where Alderman Sleeman formally presented the drums.

In the 1990’s the Band played regularly as part of the City Parks Programme, performing in Brisbane’s Parks on Sunday afternoons. They were also a fixture for many years at the Woodford Folk Festival. The biggest march of the year is always Anzac Day, and on Labour Day the Band marches and plays each year for the Maritime Union of Australia.

Currently the band has 16 pipers and 8 drummers on its books and is active on both the competition circuit and playing for entertainment around Brisbane.

It enjoys a good relationship with the Kedron-Wavell Sub-branch of the RSL, who offer their rooms for practice , and give generous financial support. The Band in exchange plays for Anzac Day , Australia Day, funerals and other RSL functions.
It is fortunate to have as its Piping tutor a very talented man in Rod Smith, (founding member of the Queensland Highlanders) who is keen to combine musical excellence in a friendly social fabric.

Since joining the Band, Rod has taken us to successive Queensland Grade 3 championships, as well as leading it in competitions in Geelong and in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Band is indebted for much of this information to Keith Beakey , a Piper who joined in 1969, and who in 1993 wrote “ An Anecdotal History 1950-1993”.