Easily recognisable for the Cameron of Erracht tartan and the distinctive eagle feather worn behind their cap badge, The Regimental Pipes and Drums of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa are under the leadership of Pipe Major Alan Clark. Ottawa's regiment, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa traces its history back to 1861 when a number of militia companies were organized for the defence of Canada during the American Civil War. Permission was granted in January 1882 for the regiment to adopt the motto of the City of Ottawa -ADVANCE. This remains the motto of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa and is worn on their badges. Following an inspection by the Duke of Cornwall (later King George V), on 1 March 1902, the regiment bore the new name 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles. In 1920, the 43rd was reorganised and redesigned The Ottawa Regiment (The Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles). Later that year, the unit was converted into a Highland regiment and in 1922 was redesigned The Ottawa Highlanders. The Pipe and Drums were formed at this time. An alliance with The Queen's Own Cameron's Highlanders was approved in 1923. In August 1933, the unit was once again redesigned, finally becoming the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. In Ottawa, on 5 July 1967, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented new colours to the Cameron's. On Victoria Day in 1969 the regiment was accorded the privilege of the Freedom of the City of Ottawa.

The Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, as part of the Canadian Forces Reserves, perform at many military functions and ceremonies in the capital region. Members have also participated in the rededication of the memorial at Vimy, France, as well as the ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and the Allied victory in Europe. The Pipes and Drums also had the honour of playing for Princess Margaret of the Netherlands when she visited Ottawa in the spring of 2005. The Pipes and Drums regularly participate in highland games in Ontario and as far afield as Alma, Michigan. In 2005 the Pipes and Drums won the Grade 4 division at the North American Pipe Band Championships, held at the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, Ontario. In addition to participating at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo three times and the Royal Tournament in 1999, the Pipes and Drums have also participated in the Virginia International Tattoo, held in Norfolk, Virginia. More recently, they have put on several performances at the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands. They also participate regularly at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal, Quebec. Closer to home, the Pipes and Drums have performed at Ottawa's Centre Point Theatre and the National War Museum and put on a annual Christmas concert to raise funds for a local charity. They also have the honour of participating in the flag raising ceremony every Canada Day on Parliament Hill.

The Pipes and Drums appear with the kind permission of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel G.B. Aitken, CD.

For more information, please feel free to visit the
The Camerons Highlanders of Ottawa website.