Click here: Alumni share their memories of the Scottish Highlanders

Originally an all-male pipe and drum corps, the Scottish Highlanders was founded in 1936 by Col. F.N. Daily, head of The University of Iowa’s ROTC program. Women took over during World War II when most of its members entered military service. At its peak, in 1969, there were 110 members and it was said to be the world’s largest all-female pipe band. Men were allowed to join again in 1972, the same year that women were permitted to join the previously all-male University Marching Band.

Deanna Grundmeier (left) and Christine Fisher (right), 1968

(Source—University Archives, Department of Special Collections, F.W. Kent Collection of Photographs, Organizations Series, Scottish Highlanders folder)

For many years the Highlanders were a football game halftime highlight and represented the University at many appearances, including trips to Europe and throughout the U.S. In 1981, a budget cut resulted in the band losing its director and it ceased to function as part of the School of Music, according to a 2003 Iowa City Press-Citizen interview with Jeff Slauson, band manager. The group’s last performance was in October 2007, as part of an Iowa City Halloween parade.

—David McCartney, University Archivist

Bill McClean, 1977

(Source—University Archives, Department of Special Collections, F.W. Kent Collection of Photographs, Organizations Series, Scottish Highlanders folder)