The Scots
The North British Society of Halifax (The Scots) was founded to support the needs of the Scots in the new land (Nova Scotia). Since 1768 The Scots have tirelessly and loyally supported the Scottish community in Halifax, and today, they provide support to The Scots Highland Company Army Cadet Corps, Scholarships at Dalhousie University, maintenance of Scottish monuments in Halifax’s Scottish Victoria Park, and an annual bursary to The Gaelic College. In addition to the above, and for many years now, The Scots has been a generous and highly appreciated supporter of the 78th Highlanders, providing critical funding and support, for which we are tremendously grateful.
Halifax Citadel Society
Our close affinity with, and support from, the Halifax Citadel Society (HCS), ensures that the history and culture of the Atlantic Region, particularly its Scottish connections, are well represented. The HCS is a private, charitable organization that is contracted by Parks Canada to run the living history program at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada.
The band takes its name from the 78th Highlanders Regiment of Foot, a British Army unit that was stationed in Halifax from 1869 to 1871 and is now re-enacted each summer by the HCRA for the benefit of visitors to the site. The members of the 78th bands and instructional program are very much aware of the group’s connections to the Citadel and to this historic Scottish regiment.
Gandy Chanters
McCallum Bagpipes provides the band’s excellent chanters. Many members of the band also play McCallum and MacRae bagpipes made for us at their factory in Kilmarnock. A number of band members have also won significant solo awards playing the Gandy version of the McCallum blackwood solo chanter.
Band Gear
Highland Gear provides the excellent bag covers and flashes the band uses, and is also a partner in fundraising and merchandise for the band, working on t-shirts, travel cases and other items.
Product Support
Reelpipes.com supports the band and band members with necessary supplies at a discounted rate and also partnered with Highland Gear to sponsor covers and flashes.
Pipe Bags
Lee & Sons make the excellent bags played by many members of the band, and they also make the “Gandy cut” bag played by many pipers around the world.