The pipe band is an amalgamation of two pipe bands, both of which have a long history of service to Invercargill.
1896: Band co-founder Lt Cnl Thomson.
The City of Invercargill Caledonian Pipe Band had a continuous history since initial formation in November 1896, although it has had several name changes from the original “Southland Pipe Band”. It can claim to be the oldest pipe band in the southern hemisphere and is possibly the oldest civilian pipe band in the world.
The Southern City Highland Pipe Band grew out of a section of the City of Invercargill Caledonian Pipe Band (the No 2 Band) leaving to form a strong parallel group in 1985, it developed with a large number of young people and a strong group of parental supporters.
These two bands merged to form the City of Invercargill Highland Band Inc in November 2009.
Playing members as at 31 Mar 2022 numbered 82 with 33 of these members being 18 or under.
