Latest News
- Pipe Band is offering FREE piping and drumming tuition in 2023 (see our “join the band” page for details)
- 16 Dec 22 - Dont miss the Kloof SPCA Carols by Candlelight
- 11 Sep 22 - Music from Scotland Concert (See the our gallery and news page)
- 10 July 22 - ABSA 10 km Fun Run (Band Played)
(See our Band News Page for more details)
© Durban Pipe Band 2011 - 2023
www.pipeband.co.za
Durban Regiment
Pipe Band
PIPE BAND.CO.ZA
King Shaka Regiment Pipe Band 2022 -
Durban Regiment Pipe Band 1975 - 2021
Montclair Pipe Band 1958 - 1974
Band History
Durban Regiment Pipe Band traces its roots back to 1958, where it was initially formed as the Montclair Pipe Band, under the leadership of Hugh McKenna, Cyril MacRae, Pipe Major Doug Watts and Drum Sergeant Barry Whyte. The band met at the “Tray Bang Shell Hole” in Montclair for practices.
Photo of Montclair Pipe Band , mid 1960’s
During 1975, the band became affiliated to Durban Regiment, and the band room was moved to the Regiments Headquarters at Natal Command.
Photo of Durban Regiment Pipe Band , early 1970’s
The band continued under the leadership of Pipe Major Doug Watts until the early
1980, when the role of Pipe Major passed to Captain Ken Mustard. The band grew to
become a respected competition pipe band under Kens leadership.
Photo of Durban Regiment
Pipe Band, 1993
During the mid to late 1990’s, the band started to struggle (along with the other
South African pipe bands), as devastating numbers of bandsmen emigrated to other
countries. The band members turned this difficult period into an era of opportunity,
signing up with Delville / SA Scots Pipe Band in Gauteng to take part in three overseas
tours between 2000 and 2004, In so doing, the competing band members competed in
Grade 3A at the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, and at the World Pipe Band Championships
in Glasgow. 
Band Members with SA Scots Pipe Band en route to Cowal Highland Gathering (Loch Lomond in the Background) - 2004
In 2005, the band members turned their focus closer to home, combining forces with
the Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Society Pipe Band to work on improving the competition
standard in KZN, and rebuilding the local bands. By 2011, the Natal Mounted Rifles
Pipe Band had joined the initiative, and the three bands competed together under
the banner “KZN Pipes and Drums” pipe band until 2014. The project was a success,
and by 2015 the three member bands were once again competing and operating independently
under their own respective banners. 
Durban Regiment Pipe Band at SCHG, 2017
Durban Regiment Pipe Band was renamed in 2019 to the King Shaka Regiment Pipe Band after the SANDF renamed a number of reserve force regiments around the county.
Refer to our Gallery Archive Page to download a complete Pictorial History of the Pipe Band prepared by Pipe Major Ken Mustard
