About AHPB
Our identity
Our group proudly wears the Stewart Hunting Modern tartan.
The Stewart Hunting Modern tartan is a contemporary variation of the traditional Stewart Hunting tartan. It features a rich color palette with deep forest greens, dark blues, and vibrant red and yellow accents, offering a striking contrast against the darker hues. This modern take on a classic design brings a contemporary feel to the traditional pattern, making it suitable for various occasions, from formal events to casual outings.
The Meaning of Our Tartan and Name
Cultural Bridge :
En portant le tartan Stewart Hunting Modern, nous incarnons notre rôle de pont musical entre l’Écosse et l’Aquitaine, notamment Bordeaux, là où se sont forgés les liens historiques et culturels de l’Auld Alliance de 1295 entre l’Écosse et la France.
Historical continuity:
Each performance pays tribute to centuries of friendship, diplomacy, and exchange, particularly the privileged access of Scottish merchants to Bordeaux wines—a tradition preserved for centuries through thier historic agreement. The "historic agreement" refers to the Auld Alliance, a diplomatic and military alliance established in 1295 between Scotland and France. This pact allowed Scottish merchants to import Bordeaux wines directly, bypassing English intermediaries, thereby fostering a long-standing cultural and economic connection between Scotland and the Bordeaux region.
Our name:
The name 'Aquitaine Highlanders' honors this shared history, embodying a mission to pass on Scottish musical traditions within a French cultural context.
Our evolution: from performance to competition
Originally conceived as a performance and training ensemble, the group first dedicated itself to sharing the music of the Highlands with the local public and training new musicians. As we grew, our ambition expanded: we turned towards competition, driven by the desire to achieve a higher level of musical excellence. In just a few years of competing, we have gained a solid reputation as a serious and high-quality pipe band. Consult our results.
Our local performances
The Aquitaine Highlanders Pipe Band is deeply rooted in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, primarily performing in the Bordeaux region. They also regularly travel to share their passion at major Celtic festivals and gatherings across France. See upcoming events.