On Washington’s Whidbey Island, the traditions of Celtic heritage blend with the long-standing legacy of military service. For Don Scoby, Commander and Pipe Major of the Scottish-American Military Society’s (SAMS) Pig War Post 1859, those traditions are more than just memories; they are a call to service.
“As a Scoby, I am part of Clan Mackay with Scottish, Irish, and Welsh heritage, among others,” he shares with Celtic Life International via email. “My ancestors come from three continents, and I am proud of the diversity in our family tree.” On his paternal side, family members have served in every major American conflict.
SAMS was founded in 1978 at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games as a national nonprofit veterans service organization. Its core mandate is “to preserve and promote Scottish and American Armed Forces customs, traditions, and heritage.” It does so through educational programs, military awards, support of Highland Games, and charitable contributions, within a fraternal atmosphere.
Scoby joined SAMS in 2016, inspired by the WWII service of both grandfathers; one a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, the other a Chief Boatswain’s Mate in the Navy.
“Initially, I joined SAMS because it offered me an opportunity to honor my forebears. I enjoy being of service in my community, and I get to honor our veterans and service personnel regularly.”
As Post Commander of Pig War Post 1859, Scoby balances multiple responsibilities.
“Our service area runs from the King-Snohomish County line north of Seattle into lower British Columbia,” he explains. He wears many hats, serving as Webmaster and Pipe Major of the organization’s pipe and drum corps. “So far as I am aware, we are the only SAMS post with such a band.”
The volunteer nature of the group brings challenges. “My schedule is irregular due to being a professional Highland bagpiper, author, and small business owner. We staff tents at veterans and community events, provide color guards, and engage in service projects. SAMS is made up entirely of volunteers, so we must all find a balance.”
SAMS has also furthered Scoby’s interest in military history and enriched his music. His book, The Patriotic Piper, serves as the band’s repertoire. The post also hosts a “Kilted Night Out” several times a year that gathers local veterans’ organizations. “We share our current projects and mutually support them.”
SAMS members are those who, notes Scoby. “value their Celtic heritage, along with possessing a sincere desire to serve veterans and their families,”
“Some meet us in person at events, some find us via our website, and some join through word of mouth. Our Post has a colorful cast of diverse characters that make our gatherings memorable.”
The Post is also active in the Highland Games circuit. “We participate in the Skagit Highland Games and the Seattle Games in Enumclaw. Many SAMS members are also active in their clan societies.”
Despite the high interest, Scoby notes that younger generations are less visible. “Most of the people who volunteer in such organizations tend to be upwards of 50 years of age, so there is a definite need to involve younger people.”
For Scoby, preserving history means speaking truthfully. “People of all ages should know the good, the bad, and the ugly, yet still find great pride in what was done right. If we take the time to educate others about our ancient instruments, our traditional garments, and our ancestral languages, then people might experience a sense of wonderment.”
Outside SAMS, Scoby remains committed to Celtic culture. A seasoned piper, teacher, and performer, he’s also the founder of Celtic rock band Nae Regrets, and recently published The Shanty Piper, a book of sea shanties arranged for Scottish bagpipes. “It’s been a blast to bring my Scottish culture into that arena too.”
As for the rest of the year, “SAMS will be having its annual Pignick soon, followed by a large military appreciation event. This fall, we have a Kilted Night Out. We’re always busy for Veterans Day, and then we do a service project and/or a parade during the holidays.”
Through it all, the mission stays the same: honour the past, serve the present, and build a bridge for future generations. “Sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones unsung, who made sacrifices to preserve their kin and culture.”
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