The Dutch Pipes and drums from Tilburg have been set up in 1953 as a youth bagpipe band called 'The Scotjes'. The band was famous in their early years and everyone in the Netherlands knew them from radio and television; among other things they took part in the first experimental prerecordings for the colour TV, acting in the first colour TV-show of the Netherlands in 1957, the mounties show and the Rudi Carell-show.

In the following years (seventies) several old-members returned to the band. The age limit which had been determined at the establishment in 1953, on 14 years (rased in 1968, to 18 years) was abolished.

Because the small 'Scotjes' had become large 'Scotsman', the band decided to change the original name 'The Scotjes' in 'Dutch Pipes & Drums'.

The band is member of the Dutch organisation of bagpipe bands and also of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Moreover the band maintains a strong link with the Scottish veterans, The Scottish Veterans Housing Association Limited in Edinburgh.

But the band is extremely proud on its official status of pipe band of the worldwide clan Donald-organisation. The appointment as official clan band of the branch occurred by the chief of the clan, Macdonald or Clanranald. This clanchief The captain or clan Ranald is also patron of TheDutch Pipes and Drums.

On the occasion of our 50th anniversary we have published a book. This book contains the complete history of the band as from the very first years in its existence. Further information and some example pages you'll find on the merchandise page.