The National Cash Register Pipe Band (Dundee, Scotland) came into being on 11th March, 1957, following a meeting held in the canteen of Block four. At this meeting, Jimmy McIntosh MBE., was appointed as their first Pipe Major and George Black was appointed as their first Drum Major/Leading Drummer. With a leadership like this, the band were sure to taste success and by the early 1970's they had been successful as far as Grade two by winning the major honours. They proudly wore the Robertson Red Tartan in the style you see above.

The Leading drummers were well served by George Black sr, and Andy Adamson, both Drum Majors in their own right and respected R.S.P.B.A., adjudicators.  These two were also well served by their pupil, George Black jr., who eventually took over as Leading Drummer and continued the success of the drum corps.

The band discipline was handled up front by Arthur Guthrie, who eventually emigrated to New Zealand. This was not before passing on his expertise to the young "Drummie" you see in the photo, David Alexander. The final Drum Major was also no slouch. Malcolm Stewart was a member of the MacKenzie Caledonian Pipe Band where he was placed in the World Championships in 1966 in Inverness.  Shortly after that, and by coincidence, he was employed by the NCR and Malcolm moved on amicably to first of all play the Bass before returning to his favored Drum Major roll.  Malcolm was equally at home with Bass, Tenor or Big Stick.

The NCR company suffered through ’downsizing’ like many other companies, and the loss of key players meant that the band eventually folded.

In ten short years, this band had been started, tasted great success and declined to nothing once more. This does not seem much when said quickly, but during that time they made friends by playing at home and abroad, won many prizes and at the end of each season they donated the proceeds to various charities.  Even today, bands in and around Dundee still boast having ex-members of the NCR.

Source: Practical Pipers Society