A Tradition Steeped in History

Oatlands has a strong connection to Scottish and Irish heritage, with regiments and their iconic pipers and drummers once calling the town home.

Today, Tasmania has eight active pipe bands, each with its own strong local identity and history. The Oatlands Highland Gathering brings these bands together to compete in the Tasmanian Pipe Band Championships, showcasing the skill, discipline, and musical tradition of the state’s pipe band community.

This year’s event will also feature the first public performance of Tasmania’s newly formed eighth pipe band, an exciting milestone for the local scene. Historically, Tasmania supported as many as fifteen pipe bands, so seeing the number grow again is a point of pride for the community.