Band History

       The Shining Thistle Pipe Band was was formed by three Helena residents in 1998. The band has since grown to include nine pipers and six drummers as well as our honorary members, banner carriers and students. The band has performed at many events over the years; some recurring and some one-time events. Below is a list of the events we have participated in over the years, which help comprise our history and identity as a band.

• Honoring the heroes of 9/11 every September 11th since 2001 at the Patriot Day Memorial Tribute.
• Performing for the reunions and anniversaries of the First Special Service Force (FSSF), also known as the "Devil's Brigade"
• Marching in the Ancient Order of Hibernian's St. Patrick's Day parades
• Performing for the Irish flag raising at the Capitol Rotunda on St. Patrick's Day
• Honoring veterans in the East Helena VFW parades on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day
• Marching in the July 4th parades in Ennis and Lincoln
• Supporting the Race for the Cure, Relay for Life and NAMI Walk with our music
• Performing at numerous elementary schools throughout the Helena valley
• Organizing and participating in the 2006 FSSF Memorial Tattoo at Fort Harrison
• Dedication of the Thomas Francis Meagher statue in Fort Benton in 2009

The Shining Thistle Pipe Band is immensely proud to be the official pipe band of the First Special Service Force (FSSF) also known as the Devil's Brigade. We proudly wear their signature V-42 Stiletto when we march in parades and hope to soon be wearing their tartan on our kilts. In recent years we have performed at their annual reunions and are always proud to play a tune that is uniquely theirs, Scotland the Brave!

The band also competes in various highland games, including Yellowstone Highland Games and the Bitterroot Scottish/Irish Festival. The games are a lot of fun and help the band grow in its proficiency. The games are also a great opportunity to enjoy a dram!