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 Athollâ€™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).

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Atholl highlanders
thank you 4 the help...
now i understand this song better :)

Michele from Italy

Jim
Thank you Bill,
it was a little muffled but it helped me to understand the tune better and get a feel for the phrasing.
Regards
Jim

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 ...

Atholl Highlanders
Hello Bill,
Once again you make it so easy to learn a tune. I have been having problems with the fourth part I never seemed to get it right and now it ...

Duncan
I really appreciate your monthly offering and always get a lovely lift to my day when I see it in my inbox.

I notice you rest your practise chanter ...

Atholl Highlanders
I like this tune. It's very helpful for tachum practise, and I need that as I am working on that right now. Thanks

Thank You Bill
Bill,

Thanks for the "Atholl Highlanders". A good tune which, I hope, your excellent teaching points will help prevent it from being played poorly, which,...

The Rose of Kelvingrove
Hi Bill,

Have you done The Rose of Kelgingrove, in the past?

Looking for the sheet music.

Love your tutorials.

Kind regards.
Missbeth.

Brilliant Website Not rated yet
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 ...

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