Canada 150: the 15 Greatest Canadian Pipers & Drummers (deceased)

#10: Archie Dewar

Pipe-Major Archie Dewar is synonymous with the Pipes & Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, which he led from 1952 to 1965. He succeeded Pipe-Major James Fraser, also a legend, and such was the significance of the band that the transition in leadership was broadcast live nationally on CBC Radio. A native of Bridge of Weir, Scotland, Dewar was born in 1910. He moved with his mother and three siblings in 1926, joined the 48th in 1928, and served with the regiment in Holland during World War II. His son, Sandy, served with the 48th for some time, and all three of Archie Dewar’s grandsons are with the 48th. He led the 48th Highlanders to six North American Pipe Band Championships and, in 1956-’57, won every contest they competed in, at a time when an Ontario season would comprise more than 15 events. Archie Dewar helped form the Ontario Pipers Society (now the PPBSO) in 1947, with the organization’s first meeting held at the 48th Highlanders of Canada’s Warrant Officers & Sergeants’ Mess. He taught and influenced innumerable Canadian pipers until his death in 1995.