The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland
In their distinctive white helmets, Royal Marines Bands are renowned throughout the world for the
quality of their music, visual splendour and precision drill. On the concert platform they enjoy a similar
reputation ensuring their continuing popularity with concert audiences. The band's concert repertoire
embraces all kinds of music including popular classics, music of the Big Band era, exciting
contemporary works and amusing solo features which all combine to produce programmes that are both
entertaining and spectacular. The inclusion of the Corps of Drums brings movement, colour and a
flavour of the Ceremonial and State occasions of which Royal Marines Bands are such an integral part.
This ensures that the grand spectacle of the traditional Finale is presented as a fitting climax to the
concert with appropriate pomp and drama.
The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland is based at HMS Caledonia, Rosyth Fife. Although there have
been Royal Marines Bands in Scotland since the late 1930's they were classed as 'ship bands' and after
the Second World War were disbanded. In 1960 a Band was formed at HMS Condor in Arbroath where
it remained for ten years. However, in April 1969 the Royal Marines Band Service was reorganised and
the sole remaining band in Scotland was designated, Band of HM Royal Marines Flag Officer Scotland
and Northern Ireland, and returned to HMS Cochrane at Rosyth in 1971. In April 1994 again due to the
reorganisation of the Band Service the Band's title changed to Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and
from April 1996 with the closure of HMS Cochrane the band is now accommodated in a purpose built
band room at the Royal Naval Support Establishment HMS Caledonia Rosyth.
The Band is unique among Royal Marine Bands not only because it is based in Scotland, but also as it
is the only Royal Marines Band stationed north of London. The Band travels extensively throughout
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England. Travel abroad has seen the band visit Holland,
Gibraltar, St Moritz Switzerland for the stock exchange Ski Championships, Cyprus for the Queens
Birthday Celebrations and most recently Washington DC, USA.
All members of the Band play at least two instruments and are required to perform all styles of music
including wind band, marching band, orchestral and dance band engagements, making the Royal
Marines musician one of the most versatile and adept in the military music world.