In February 1946, Hilma Foote approached her father, Horace, with an idea to form an all-girls pipe band. Hilma had been studying the bagpipes for several years under instructor William Barrie, and her passion inspired her father, a seasoned drummer and former drum major with local pipe bands, to support the initiative.
By December 1947, Hilma’s vision had become reality. A group of 17 girls, aged 14 to 18, debuted at Vernon’s Rotary Ice Carnival. Their uniforms were an eclectic mix, pieced together from various Scottish wardrobes in the community. While the group had no formal name at the time, Hilma’s mother suggested adding “McIntosh” as a nod to the region’s apple-growing industry. Eventually, the girls were outfitted with matching McIntosh tartan kilts. Local businesses helped fund instruments and equipment, with significant backing from Dolph Browne of Dolph Browne Ltd.
The band was made up of pipers and drummers. Members were also invited to learn traditional Highland dances, including the Highland Fling and Sword Dance. These performances added a dynamic cultural element to their appearances and helped round out their training.
By the summer of 1948, the McIntosh Girls’ Pipe Band had become a valued part of the community. They performed across British Columbia, Alberta, and the United States at parades, festivals, sporting events, dinners, and competitions. One of their most memorable tours took place in February 1956, when they traveled by bus to El Paso, Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City.
Locally, the band played for visiting dignitaries and celebrities. Notable appearances included a performance for Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Kamloops in 1951, and for Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in Vernon in 1958. Throughout the early years, the Foote family remained deeply involved—Hilma served as pipe major until 1959, Horace as director and chaperone, and Mrs. Foote assisted with travel and uniforms
In 1959, the Footes stepped away from their roles, and Malcolm McCulloch took over as director. His company, McCulloch’s Aerated Waters, became the band’s sponsor. In 1967, the Walker Sangster family became managers, and Robert Mackie continued as instructor. The band continued to grow and, by 1970, had 21 members.
Despite its success, changing competition formats and declining interest led to the group’s dissolution in 1985. A reunion was organized in 1995 by former members. The McIntosh Girls’ Pipe Band Society continued to meet to oversee the use of remaining funds, which were directed toward supporting local musicians.
The records of the pipe band and its society are preserved at the Vernon Archives.
Archives Manager, Gwyneth Evans