The Heather of the Glen

This is a 3/4 retreat march which has a strongly emphasised regular beat, intended primarily to keep marching soldiers in step. In the 19^th century retreat march regulations stipulated 3 beats to the bar, which is why retreat marches are in 3/4 or 9/8 time to this day.

The Heather of the Glen has been exclusively composed for Kinloch Anderson by Derek Potter RVM, The Sovereign’s Piper 2008-2012.

This march is named after the Kinloch Anderson Heather tartan and evokes a frequently portrayed image of Scotland’s moors and glens as blankets of colour in glorious shades of pink and purple. The tartan itself links Kinloch Anderson to one of Scotland’s favourite flowers which has always been regarded as a symbol of good luck – especially if it is white!