A Century in the Making

A Century in the Making

A history of the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band in New Zealand, was at one stage synonymous with sheep rustler, James Mackenzie.
He became a legend the World over for his alleged exploits.  Perhaps he set a precedent for a great many of those early Scottish settlers who ventured into this vast and barren landscape, now known as the Mackenzie Country.  Or could it be that those early settlers took a leaf out of Mackenzie's book, when it came to strength, perseverance and just plain Scottish determination to succeed against all odds.
That about sums up the last 100 years that the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band  as it served the Community.
On several occasions the Band floundered over the past century, but showing the true guts and tenacity of their Scottish heritage, they rose again.
The Band began its journey on a single donation of five quid in 1912.  That's all it took to get the blood pounding through those Scottish veins.
Three young men, George Cowan, Danny Ross and Joe McDonald, by way of entertaining themselves on a Saturday evening in Fairlie during 1912, they played their bagpipes on the corner of School Road and Main Street for hours on end.  Fate intervened on one of those nights with the intervention of a local character, only known as the 'Highlan' Chief'.  "Can ye play Mackenzie's Farewell to Ross-Shire", inquired  the Chief  in a gruff and demanding voice.  "If ye can, I'll give ye five pounds towards your band."
Of that trio, only Joe MacDonald cold play that arie, he had once played the pipes with the McIntosh Clan's private pipe band back in Scotland.  Through a veil of joyful tears, his foot tapping, the Highlan' Chief recalled his heritage and his kinfolk back in his homeland.

Included in this publication, there is a profile of more 
than 200 member who have played during those 
100 colourful years of the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band.

329  pages   
Size   270mm x 190mm

Available from Secretary;__
E-mail    ggparcell@xtra.co.nz