The band is based in Waltham, Christchurch, and has around 35 members, ranging in age from learners under 12 through to those with more life experience, in the 60-ish bracket.

There is a long history of playing at community events such as ANZAC Day and Christmas parades, and the band even performed at the celebration of Prime Minister Norman Kirk’s election in 1972.

The membership has fluctuated over the decades, and the band has previously competed all the way up to Grade 1.

After a couple of years of rebuild and transformation, the 2024/2025 competition season saw the band win both North and South Island titles prior to the RNZPBA National Championships held in Invercargill.  The band won all Grade 4A National titles in Invercargill and for the 2025/2026 season were regraded into the Grade 3 category.

The band is led by Pipe Major James Bissland and Drum Sergeant Rebekah Weir.

The band is proud of their supportive and inclusive culture.  The band is encouraging of players both experienced and new to come and join the fun. We have some excellent teachers and mentors on board and the most enthusiastic management committee to run the band.

Our main focus is on teaching people to play their instruments in a quality way, thus improving the level of the band.

Details

  • Contact Person Kate Fleming
  • Position/Title Secretary
  • Phone Number (+64) 21 288 0554
  • Email Address secretary@metroscottish.org.nz
  • Website facebook.com/metroscottish
  • Month of AGM May
  • Band Practices

    Wednesday 7:30pm, 94 Falsgrave Street, Waltham.

  • Piping Enquiries James Bissland (+64) 21 679 744
  • Drumming Enquiries Rebekah Weir (+64) 27 246 9737
  • Parades Enquiries Mark Weir (+64) 29 779 0244
  • Tartan Ancient Gordon