by ASR Paul Curd
As I sit here, the Pipes & Drums (P&D) world is grieving the loss of one of its finest; a senior Drummer in the Royal Regiment Scotland (RRS), a proud Scotsman, he was much respected by those with whom he served and those he taught to drum. Although there are many P&D bands within the Army, the P&D world is an intimate one. The loss of this soldier will be felt deeply among them all.
This brings home the privilege, as a thoroughly English man, of being able to regularly visit the heart of this world: The Army School of Bagpipe Music & Highland Drumming (ASBM&HD). Every piper or drummer who plays in a P&D Band in the Army will have been taught at this world class facility, with its long tradition of producing very skilled musicians who invariably go on to play at many prestigious occasions around the world: Tattoo’s (like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo); Royal and State functions; or perhaps on the Royal Mile, adding a stirring ambience for anyone who happens to be there on that day. It is a thoroughly prestigious and prominent role.
Despite a very polished public appearance, the soldiers themselves are ordinary, salt of the earth, skilled and dedicated—often to the detriment of their careers— to playing in this deeply Scottish tradition.
So, how did I find myself among them?
By God’s providence, I often found myself bumping into Pipers & Drummers in local battalions. But really, it was my neighbour, and former Senior Drum Major (SDM), who invited me to a Pass-off parade, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Noticing the School’s logo, I arranged for badged New Testaments & Psalms—never done before. At the 2025 Edinburgh Tattoo rehearsals on Redford Barracks, in the SASRA Pop-up Cafe, I went to say hi to the SDM, who introduced me to his boss (the Music Director), as, ‘The guy getting the Bibles done for us.’ He asked me if I would be interested in introducing myself to the students at the ASBM&HD. Naturally, I was delighted, all was arranged, and now I visit Wednesday’s, and occasionally Thursdays for bacon rolls.
The first introduction led to two students and many delightful hours with an open Bible, and another student who needed support; others I acquainted over bacon rolls and handing out Bibles. Six months on, a second introduction resulted in three students approaching me, one of whom confiding a very personal issue. Over time I have got to know the staff, enjoying a brew and a blether, and an occasional catch-up with the Music Director.
Each visit to the school, greets me with the ubiquitous sound of Pipers piping, Buglers bugling and Drummers drumming. I witness parade rehearsals, exams and lessons. I encourage the nervous, distract the stressed and relate over a brew. This general engagement often leads to gospel conversations.
My wife and I were invited to the Christmas function where I had the privilege of being asked to say grace. What a joy! When I thanked the Music Director for the kind invite, he replied by telling me they consider me part of the School’s family.
As I get to know this world, I grieve with them as they lose one of their own. It brings home to me the urgency of the gospel; the brokenness that can be beneath the surface of these soldiers’ very public lives, not always readily apparent.
PRAY WITH US
- Thank God for the opportunities Paul has had to get involved with the individuals at the ASBM&HD. Pray that he might be able to share the hope of Christ with some of them, specifically as they grieve the loss of one of their own.
