Shirley Pipe Band Uniforms

No1 Uniform - Scarlet Tunic	No2 Uniform - Claret Jacket

The central part of our uniform is the Hunting Stewart tartan, worn by permission of Her Majesty the Queen. Being of Hunting pattern, the predominant colour is green, with bands of red, yellow, and dark blue.

We have two uniforms, to suit the needs of the occasion and the likely weather and temperature conditions. The Hunting Stewart kilt is worn with both uniforms, with either a scarlet tunic, or a lighter- weight claret Argyll jacket.

	No 1 Uniform
	The Bonnet is made from ostrich feathers over a wire frame. A set of four tails hang to one side of the face while on the other side is a Hackle. For most band members this is red, but for a Pipe Major it's white.
	We wear a red Tunic or Doublet with silver braiding and buttons. Above the right arm is a red semicircular Shell. Over one shoulder is the Cross Belt with its ornate buckles. Over the other shoulder is the Plaid (see below). Below the plaid is a red Sash this is to show that they are an Officer in the band. The Waist Belt is black leather with a buckle showing a traditional decoration of thistles.
	Our Kilt is the Hunting Stewart tartan, and typically takes 7 or 8 metres of cloth. To the front is worn the Sporran (see below), while lower on the kilt is attached a Kilt Pin. Some also wear a Dirk, which is a traditional knife.
	The Sporran hangs from a belt around the hips. Its basic construction is of leather to which hair is attached. Traditionally this would be horse hair, but modern sporrans tend to be a combination of nylon (white strands) and horse hair (black strands).
	A piper's Plaid is 3 metres long, being wrapped around the body with a length trailing down the back. It is fastened at the shoulder by a large brooch. Most of the plaid is not visible on this photograph because it is behind the Pipers body.
	The Half Hose are woven in patterns to complement the tartan kilt. They are designed to be worn over normal socks, finishing at the ankle. They are kept up with red Garter Tabs around the calf.
	We wear Spats over black shoes (not visible because of the grass). The spats are made of canvas and need to be whitened regularly.
	No 2 Uniform
	On the Glengarry is worn a small brooch and a feather Plume or Hackle. For most band members this is claret to match the jacket but the Pipe Majors is white.
	For our No2 uniform we wear a claret Argyll jacket with silver buttons. With this is worn a white shirt and a tie in Hunting Stewart tartan. For this uniform we have a different black leather belt with a buckle that features the band's badge.
	This style of Sporran is traditionally made from seal skin, but ours are pony hide.
	Our white Hose are held up by claret Garter Tabs around the calf. On his feet are Ghillie Brogues, decorated leather shoes with long laces tied around his ankles. Down his sock is a Sgian Dubh, a small traditional knife. The knees are his own (nobody else would want them).
	You can dress a cut-out piper if you wish - please treat him gently since he is very ticklish!

This page is still under development. The above shows the uniforms of a piper - the next enhancement will be to add photographs and descriptions of a drummer's uniform.