Toronto police pipe band- 1912

[plaid preacher]

The leopard skin is still worn by many bass drummers, especially in military bands. I looked for photos of the current Toronto Police pipes and drums, but you don't see them in Number 1 dress any more, and indeed often they are only in shirt sleeves.

The tradition of the leopard skins comes from the British military, and the inclusion of African (colonial) drummers, who first wore the skins. The skins also served a practical purpose - protecting the uniform from rubbing against the bass drum. Today, many bands wear imitation fur, but some regiments continue to wear real tiger (or lion) fur harvested from animals that have died of natural causes. In some bands, the side drummers are also authorized to wear leopard skins.



Toronto Scottish Pipes and Drums


48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums (note there are three drummers wearing skins)