Atholl Highlanders

Cap badge of the Atholl Highlanders

The Atholl Highlanders is an old 6/8 march that was requested by subscriber to Tune of the Month and it is suitable for the more advanced beginner and intermediate piper.

Please remember the basic timing of the beat in compound march time that is: 1—2,3— as explained in the mp3 audio and video with attention particularly to the remainder of the upbeat 3— eighth note duration without dropping too soon onto the next beat as you go through the tune. There are two beats to the bar.

Clarity of execution is as important as ever. At first proceed slowly and correctly with repeated studied attention to any sections that appear to be strange or difficult.

Download The Music Notation.

Click to download the tune notation for Atholl Highlanders

Listen To Bill's Audio Instruction.

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Watch Bill's Video Instruction.

Tune History

The tune is attributed to William Ross that I take as the same William Ross as above who had a large collection of pipe music. The title of the tune relates to the Duke of Atholl’s private regiment the Atholl Highlanders that wears the Duke's tartan of Murray of Atholl.

Please refer Wikipedia under the tune's title for information on the regiment.

Ross, William. (1823 - 1891)
Scottish Piper/pipemaker. Replaced Angus MacKay as piper to Queen Victoria from 1854 until his death in 1891. (No relation to Willie Ross.) Hired Henry Starck to make bagpipes, who continued to make pipes after Ross' death. PM of the 42nd Highlanders, retired from active duty in 1883. (From very good Andrew Lenz website).

What Other Visitors Have Said

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Brilliant Website
The whole site is brilliant never mind the lesson. This is the most wonderful resource for pipers that I have ever come across. I was taught to play …

John Voorhees---Piper
I find that you have done it again, easy to read and understand, I have seen this piece before but have not attempted it until now as I said, easy to read …

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