Young jocks from 4 Scots take on British Army-style bagpipe boot camp in Cyprus
The British Army's newest bagpipe players are facing the toughest challenge of their musical careers.
Despite never having touched a set of pipes until six months ago, the young jocks are now preparing to perform in front of the whole battalion in Cyprus.
4 Scots Pipes and Drums are one of the Royal Regiment of Scotland's proudest ceremonial bands, and to fully embed their newest members before the annual Beating Retreat in Dhekelia, they are put through a gruelling three-week bagpipe boot camp.
Hard work and repeated practice
4 Scots Pipes and Drums are leaving the mundane rhythm of battalion duties at Alexander Barracks for the quiet and calm of the Troodos Mountains.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News, one of the band's newest members, Highlander Alasdair Fraser-Burton, described the "immense feeling" of playing the bagpipes for the first time.
"The adrenaline comes through you when you hear the big drones; it is surreal," he said.
The 19-year-old from Derbyshire is so new to piping that he couldn't even play six months ago.
After an intense course at the Army School of Music and Highland Drumming at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh, the young jock joined the unit in Cyprus.
Soon he and the band will be front and centre performing for the rest of the Highlanders.
"I think it's going to be amazing, but it's loads of hard work [and] lots of repeated practice," he added.
To give the lads a boost before the big day, world-renowned bagpipe instructor Stuart Liddell MBE delivered a masterclass.
"I get to teach all over the world at different workshops," he said. "I've got to say it's been a real privilege to teach such a great and enthusiastic group of young lads."
Stuart was taught the bagpipes by his grandfather, Pipe Major Ronald McCallum, who served in the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
After four decades playing around the world, he's teaching the Army's pipers for the first time.
"It seems to be a very purposeful experience," he told BFBS Forces News. "The guys are listening to every word."
Practice makes perfect
Out on the helicopter landing pad at Troodos Station, the band form up to perfect the most important part of Beating Retreat.
Meanwhile, the band's most experienced piper inspects small details of drill from the side.
"For the Beating Retreat specifically, we'll have the whole battalion there," said Pipe Major Grant Roberts.
"The majority of them don't know a lot about pipes, so to them we're always going to sound good."
He's played the bagpipes for 15 years and travelled the world playing in embassies and at events with British Army bands.
"The things that the Sergeants' Mess, the Officers' Mess and the Corporals' Mess will be looking at are drill," Pipe Major Roberts added.
"It's very important that we show our marching discipline is to the highest standard."
British Army and Scottish heritage
At Alexander Barracks, the parade square is filling with the men and women of 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The annual Beating Retreat and Highland Games are a highlight of the battalion's calendar.
Watching with the Commanding Officer is the Commander of British Forces Cyprus.
"I'm raring to go; the adrenaline is flowing," said Highlander Fraser-Burton. "We've just got to focus on the music, looking good, sounding good, and it should all fall together."
As the pipes strike in time to the drums, the band step into the march perfectly.
The sound of the Scottish Highlands reverberates across the camp as the sun begins to set over Dhekelia.
4 Scots is the Regional Operations Battalion based in Cyprus for any deployments the British Army needs in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
The demanding high-readiness role can split the Highlanders up for long periods, making ceremonial events that bring the jocks together even more special.
The reservist brass band from 6 and 7 Scots are here too, plus traditional Highland dancers.
"It just reminds you of home," said Major Tam Lindsay, who was there to watch the show.
"What's special is when you hear the pipes and drums coming together, they just give us a great lift."
"It was a beautiful atmosphere; all the musicians were incredible," added Elena King, the wife of one of the soldiers.
The bagpipes represent hundreds of years of Scottish identity in the British Army.
In the Royal Regiment of Scotland, it's the young pipers preserving that sound for the future.
"It's my first big show, so I'm glad it went well," said Highlander Fraser-Burton. "It's something to be really proud of for everybody who's doing it with me.
"Words really don't describe it; there is no better feeling," he added.
Join Our Newsletter
