About Band

The band kilts are Black Watch tartan, sometimes referred to as Grant Hunting. In 1725, General George Wade, the commander of British forces in North Britain authorized the formation of six independent companies of troops to police the Highlanders. One company was raised by Col William Grant of Ballindalloch. The companies were known locally as the 'Black Watch' and were eventually consolidated to form the 43rd (later 42nd) Royal Highland Regiment. The Independent Companies wore a dark blue, black and green plaid which was woven by over sixty weavers in Strathspey, the country of Clan Grant and is now referred to as the Black Watch tartan.

The band wears different uniforms depending on type of performances. The Black Watch tartan kilts are worn with both uniforms. For formal parades and appearances, a military style uniform is worn. Glengarry caps with red feather hackles and the band crest badge are uniform headgear. Uniform shirts are white with black watch shoulder board epaulets. When representing the Honolulu Fire Department, a white shirt with a HFD patch is worn. A horsehair sporran, red and black diced hose, red hose flashes and white spats completes the uniform. Optional individual items include a sgian dubh tucked into the hose tops, a belt worn dirk and a kilt pin.

For informal performances, the band wears a casual signature blue band shirt with band crest, a leather day sporran, ecru hose, red hose flashes and gillie brogues. An optional bush style hat with band crest is worn at times due to the extreme temperatures of Hawaiʻi.