Below is an excerpt from http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/pipedrum.htm In the old Highland clan system the piper ranked fourth only to the chief and in consequence was held in high regard. This clan, or family, feeling has always been strong in Scottish regiments, particularly those raised in the Highlands, and it was to be expected that the piper should enjoy his traditional privileges and respect. Unfortunately, this view was not shared by the gentlemen at the War Office in London who consistently refused to understand why those "savages" in the North of Britain should not march and fight to the music of the drum and fife, like everybody else in the British Army. Successions of annual Inspecting Officers intolerantly recommended the discontinuance of pipe music, and just as obstinately, but craftily, successions of Scottish commanding officers refused to obey. The Royal Scots, the oldest regiment in the British Army, has a very long history of piping, yet it is on record that in the 17th century the pipers had to be hidden on Inspection Day. Indeed, it was customary in Scottish regiments for the pipers to be shown in the muster rolls as drummers or fifers; in this way they might draw the extra-duty pay of one penny per day. As recently as the early 1900's the Lovat Scouts and Scottish Horse listed their pipers as trumpeters. Until the middle of the 19th century, the unofficial and clandestine pipers were distributed within the battalion at the strength of one to each company and played thus to their comrades on the line of march, on parade or in battle. At first they were dressed similarly to the rank and file; in Highland regiments this would be the red coat, kilt and feathered bonnet. But the special status of the piper was marked by the retention of the broadsword on its black leather shoulder belt, the handsome dirk and the full plaid long after these had been discontinued for the ranks. At last, in 1854, the War Office grudgingly permitted the highland regiments to have, officially, a Pipe-Major and five pipers. But for the Lowland Scottish regiments the struggle for recognition went on. Regiments like the King's Own Scottish Borderers and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) who, prior to 1881, although clothed as English Line regiments, had jealously retained their pipes, were still denied official sanction. The best they could expect was that authority would turn a blind eye and a deaf ear so long as instruments, special uniform and pay were found from anywhere but public money - in other words, from the officers' own pockets. IMWTK gam