Band History
The Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band was started by Pipe Major Robert Fraser of Arbroath,
Scotland who came to Canada in 1957. A professional printer by trade, Mr. Fraser served in the Royal Air Force and studied and taught piping from an early age. He was involved with The Boys Brigade in Scotland and was a member of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. In addition to starting the Lord Selkirk band, Mr. Fraser was also Pipe Major of the St.Andew’s Society Pipe Band and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders both also in Winnipeg.
The Manitoba Scout Council asked Mr. Fraser to start a Boy Scout pipe band in the 1950s. The band had humble beginnings. Instructors whittled dummy chanters out of wood and drew in the finger holes, Mr. Fraser says. The Cameron Highlanders loaned them a set of pipes in the 1960s and a donation from the Kiwanis finally enabled the band to buy bagpipes.
The Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band is now over 50 years old. Anniversary celebrations attracted pipers and drummers from all over North America. Many credit Mr. Fraser’s personal example of musicianship and excellence in teaching, as well as his generosity and kindness with the band’s longevity and success. All boys have their uniforms, kit and travel expenses provided. Mr. Fraser has always insisted, no boy should be left behind
because their family couldn’t afford to pay their way.
Mr. Fraser’s first piping instructor would not accept payment for teaching, and Mr. Fraser has given free instruction to thousands of Manitoba boys who now are accomplished pipers, piping teachers and judges the world over. There are many drummers who have reached those same levels. A dedicated staff of piping and drumming alumni continues to volunteer their time each week to teach and practice with the boys.
Selkirk Settlers
Thomas Douglas, the Fifth Earl of Selkirk, sent 23 Scottish settlers to the banks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in 1812 to begin a new life. Winnipeg shares with Helmsdale, Scotland a statue commemorating the Scottish Clearances and the brave persistence of the “Selkirk Settlers,” in Western Canada. Several band members are proud to trace their own family history back to the First Nations Peoples and French farmers who shared that early colony with the Scots.
James Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas, briefly 11th Earl of Selkirk, Lady Douglas and Scottish Environment Minister Michael Russell came to Winnipeg in 2008 for the bicentennial of the Selkirk Settlement in Manitoba.
