The Pipes and Drums of Clan Farquharson was formed in September of 1981 by a group of enthusiasts dedicated to furthering Scottish culture in Nova Scotia by providing an organisation whereby individuals could participate in, learn and enjoy pipe band music. Heading up this group was Fire Chief Jack MacIssac of the Lakeview, Windsor, Fall River Volunteer Fire Department assisted by Jean Watson who was the then town crier for District 14. Originally the band was named the District 14 Pipe and Drum Band, however, this was soon changed to the Bonnie Glens Pipes and Drums. In October of that year the band moved to the Royal Canadian Legion, Dieppe Branch in Waverley, Nova Scotia.

Piping instruction began under the capable direction of Ron MacKenzie who had been pipe major of the Somme Branch Legion for many years. He was assisted by David Greig, formerly of the Toronto Police Pipes and Drums. Drumming instruction was under the direction of Mike Beaton, formerly of the Bonnie Braes Pipes and Drums in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Much hard work went into practising, planning and recruiting. By 1982 the band had over forty members with varying levels of capability from beginner to experienced. Before the band had obtained uniforms or instruments an enthusiastic group participated in a local community parade wearing their ordinary street clothes and playing on their practise chanters. The band was constantly fund raising to buy instruments and uniforms. They had decided to wear Farquharson tartan (Old Colours) and finally obtained material for kilts and jackets and had uniforms made for themselves.

In mid-1982 William (Bill) Magennis, who had retired from the Black Watch pipe band, took over as pipe major. Band members' skills improved, uniforms became the standard of dress, the band became better known and were on parade in the summer of 1983.

Because the band was wearing Farquharson tartan kilts it was decided that the name of the band should be changed to, 'Pipes and Drums of Clan Farquharson', and this change occurred in the autumn of 1983. At that time the band had 25 to 30 members and participated in many parades, concerts and other engagements. The band continued to evolve and during the summer of 1984 they moved to the Somme Branch Legion in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At this time, Gerald Gosbee became pipe major. In August of 1984 the band took part in the International Festival between St. Stephen, New Brunswick and Calais, Maine, U.S.A. and returned as winners of the International Festival of Music award over ten other bands.

In 1986 the band again moved, this time to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 95 in Bedford, Nova Scotia. David Moore became pipe major until 1989 at which time Lorna Kennedy took over the pipe major's duties. David Seymour took on the duties of drum sergeant providing instruction to the drum corps, which produced excellent accompaniment to the pipe corps. The band was very active at this time giving concerts in both Bedford and Dartmouth as well as doing community parades and convention engagements. Fund raising was an important aspect of the band's activities and finally in late 1991 they were able to order new uniforms from Scotland with kilts of heavy weight material and black barathea jackets in preparation for the 1992 summer season.

In December of 1992 a request was forwarded to Captain Alwyne Farquharson, Chief of Clan Farquharson, seeking his permission for the Pipes and Drums of Clan Farquharson to bear an appropriate banner on the pipe major's bass drone. This resulted in considerable thought and consultation with the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs before permission was granted. Investigation into correct heraldic design then commenced. This culminated in a pipe banner depicting the Arms of Invercauld on the obverse (left side) with the crest and motto on the reverse (right side). The design work and production was taken in hand by Dr. Patrick Barden, Heraldic Designer to the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

On the afternoon of the 19th of September 1993 during a concert at the look-off at Bedford Waterfront Development Park (now called Admiral DeWolfe Park) Clan Farquharson Association of Canada presented this magnificent banner to the band on behalf of Captain Farquharson of Invercauld. The Pipes and Drums of Clan Farquharson is both pleased and proud to have received this honour, the likes of which are seldom extended to a civilian pipe band. When Captain Farquharson of Invercauld granted permission for the band to carry the Arms of Invercauld it placed the band in the unique position of being the official band of Clan Farquharson in Canada and the Pipe major became the personal piper to the Chief at any time that he might be in Canada.

Although the band is not normally a competition band they do periodically compete at highland games as they have in the past at Bedford, Halifax, New Glasgow, Pictou, Antigonish, Fredericton and Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. Individual band members do compete in solo competitions while other members assist at highland games by acting as stewards. The band prefers a more friendly and relaxed atmosphere by participating in community parades, conventions and Scottish events in the Maritime Provinces.

In 1996 the band celebrated its 15th anniversary by hosting a ceilidh at the Waverley Legion, where the band had its beginning. About 200 present and past members and friends attended and had a most enjoyable evening. They also celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2001 and look forward to future similar celebrations.

On the 31st of May 1997 the band attended the opening of the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island by combining with other participants to form a massed Confederation Bridge Pipe Band. They are now planning to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Canso Causeway on the 15th of August in 2005.

The band derives a certain pride and satisfaction in representing Clan Farquharson, whose name they carry, the Town of Bedford, where they are located and the Royal Canadian Legion, where they are based.

As the years roll on the band continues to be active in Scottish events. As well, the band extends a warm and friendly welcome to pipers and drummers as new members and strives to provide an organisation whereby members may participate in Scottish cultural activities through Scottish pipe and drum band music.

Compiled by David R. Porter, President, August 1999.
Revised by David R. Porter, Past President, July 2004.