About the Queensland Highlanders

The band was formed in 1996 by Fraser Martin and a small group of dedicated musicians keen to build an exciting band from the ground up. Despite the short history of the band, it has enjoyed unparalleled success in both the competition arena and in other entertainment endeavours. We are now one of Australia's most exciting and successful pipe bands.

Our most recent competition on the national level saw us competing at the 2008 Australian Pipe Band Championships at Castle Hill in Sydney. At this event our number 1 band placed 3rd in the Grade 1 competition.

World Champions! The band's last overseas trip (2001) resulted in the band winning the coveted WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS in grade 2. The band is the first civilian pipe band from Australia to win the title. Part of the band's leadup to the 2001'Worlds' was to perform at the INTERCELTIQUE FESTIVAL de LORIENT, alongside some of the biggest names in folk music and top Scottish pipe bands, Dysart & Dundonald and Scottish Power. The band played to audiences in excess of 15,000.

Ambitions: The ultimate goal is to win the World Championships in Grade 1.

The band appeals to a broader age group and cross section of the community with the addition of contemporary instruments such as electric guitars, drum kit and percussion.

The band consists of approximately 50 players and is led by Pipe Major JASON PALFREY and Drum Sergeant (brother) STUART PALFREY.

The Tartans

The No 1 Band wears the Stewart of Appin tartan for no historical or symbolic reason. We just liked it.

The No 2 Band wears the Ancient Logan tartan. The tartan they orginally wore as the Logan Pipe Band before merging with the Queensland Highlanders.