Lisa Dennis
Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band stalwart, Trevor Kuhle, has been recognised for 50 years’ participation in the annual Maryborough Highland Gathering.
This year marked the 160th anniversary of the highly anticipated New Year’s Day event, which draws Scots and admirers from across the country and further afield.
Trevor, 65, said he was shocked but deeply humbled to be recognised for his role in supporting the long-running event.
The drum sergeant has been playing side drum with the local pipe band since he was 12.
The musician recalls his first experience with the pipe band was when he was in hospital as a three-year-old and the band came to perform for patients.
Years later a young Trevor encountered them again when his father took him along to some fundraising dances at Barkers Creek.
“My Dad’s workmates from Rowe Motors, Ian and Neil Wilson, invited us along. When I heard the drum I knew it was the instrument for me,” Trevor told the Express.
When asked what drew him into the band, Scottish ancestry or the music, Trevor’s wife Annette, a Scot, laughed.
“They say there are Scots and those who’d like to be Scots!” she said.
Trevor confesses he is actually of German descent but the music drew him in and he has loved the camaraderie and friendships made during his time with the band.
“Discussions can get passionate at times! There is huge respect for the music and traditions,” he said.
“Back in 1910 Castlemaine actually had two highland pipe bands – a men’s band and a ladies’ band. However, both eventually folded.
“In the early 1950s the new band was formed and was strongly supported by the community, with extensive Scottish connections.
“I had some wonderful mentors in the early days and it’s great to be able to pass those skills onto the next generation.”
Trevor has been proud to join the band at performances at The Melbourne Show, Maryborough Highland Gathering, Scots Day Out in Bendigo, and the Melbourne Cup where a ‘mass band’ would perform as the Governor opened the event.
The band also regularly took part in competitions and featured at local events, including the annual Castlemaine and District Agricultural Show grand parade in which the local band made its debut performance back in 1953.
“Performing at Australia Day and Anzac Day are always personal highlights,” Trevor confesses.
Another highlight came in 2019 when the Aussie drummer joined a piper to perform at Annette’s cousin’s wedding in Scotland.
“I was later invited to perform as part of a mass band at the nearby Dunrobin Castle, which was incredible.
“Over the years I’ve developed a taste for haggis, but I still can’t come at black pudding,” he joked.
He has been attending the Maryborough Highland Gathering since he was 15 and in later years attended the event with three of his four sons who also joined the band.
Trevor would love to see more young people joining their ranks to keep the tradition alive.
“We’d love to hear from any local pipers or drummers who would like to join us, or those with a keen ear for music willingly to learn. Of course you have to be comfortable to wear a kilt!,” he laughs.
