a brief history primer on the 78th Fraser Highlanders
The Original 78th Fraser Highlanders
The Original 78th Fraser Highlanders
The Original 78th Fraser Highlanders
Fraser’s Highlanders were raised in 1757 by Simon Fraser during the final stages of the long struggle between Britain and France for control of North America. Known as the 78th Regiment of Foot, the unit quickly grew into one of the largest Highland regiments in the British Army.
They played a prominent role in the conquest of New France,
Fraser’s Highlanders were raised in 1757 by Simon Fraser during the final stages of the long struggle between Britain and France for control of North America. Known as the 78th Regiment of Foot, the unit quickly grew into one of the largest Highland regiments in the British Army.
They played a prominent role in the conquest of New France, taking part in the capture of Louisbourg in 1758, the Quebec campaign and Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759, and the advance on Montreal in 1760.
Following Britain’s victory and the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the regiment was disbanded, with many former soldiers choosing to settle in the St. Lawrence Valley, helping to establish an enduring Fraser presence in Canada.
The Modern 78th Fraser Highlanders
The Original 78th Fraser Highlanders
The Original 78th Fraser Highlanders
Fraser’s Highlanders were re-established in 1964 as a commemorative society during preparations for Expo 67, reflecting Canada’s British and French heritage. Under the leadership of Colonel J. Ralph Harper and with the support of David M. Stewart, the organization revived the traditions of the original regiment and participated in Expo 67
Fraser’s Highlanders were re-established in 1964 as a commemorative society during preparations for Expo 67, reflecting Canada’s British and French heritage. Under the leadership of Colonel J. Ralph Harper and with the support of David M. Stewart, the organization revived the traditions of the original regiment and participated in Expo 67 with a youth squad that performed military drills and served as an honour guard for Queen Elizabeth II.
Following Expo 67, the society expanded across Canada and the United States through a network of Outposts and Garrisons. These groups promoted Highland heritage through social events, pipe bands, drill teams, historical interpretation, and youth programs.
A visit to Calgary in 1978 inspired the creation of a formal Youth Training Program, which remains a cornerstone of the organization. Today, Fraser’s Highlanders continue to preserve and share the history, traditions, and spirit of the original regiment through educational and cultural activities across North America.
The Fort Calgary Garrison
The Original 78th Fraser Highlanders
The Fort Calgary Garrison
The Fort Calgary Garrison was established in 1977 under Major David B. Jackson, growing to about 100 members. In 1978, Rod McLeod was enlisted to organize and develop a unique Youth Training Program based on army cadet and reserve army principals.
To fund the youth band, John McDonald created a charitable trust, enabling the organization
The Fort Calgary Garrison was established in 1977 under Major David B. Jackson, growing to about 100 members. In 1978, Rod McLeod was enlisted to organize and develop a unique Youth Training Program based on army cadet and reserve army principals.
To fund the youth band, John McDonald created a charitable trust, enabling the organization to issue tax receipts in return for donations. The membership of the day represented the captains of industry who generously supported the formation of the Youth Squad.
McLeod was successful in securing an excellent cadre of instructors including Iain MacCrimmon as its first Chief Instructor and Allan MacLeod, a Gold Medalist and World Champion. Period uniforms for 1757 became the order of dress - following in the footsteps of the original Youth Squad in Montreal.
Over the ensuing 40+ years the band has trained an estimate 600+ young lads and lassies in the art of piping, drumming, Highland Dance, weapons handling & safety, ceremonial drill, history and musketry.
They are well known for their respectful and disciplined behaviour - and in particular, for their famous "Fraser Black Powder Musket Show".
FORT CALGARY GARRISON
WHO OR WHAT ARE THE FRASERS?
FORT CALGARY GARRISON STRUCTURE
The Fort Calgary Garrison operates through two distinct but closely connected organizations: the Historical Trust and the Historical Society.
The Trust is a registered Alberta charity dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Fraser’s Highlanders. Its mission focuses on educating young people about Canada’s history, supporting a replica youth squad of pipers and drummers, and fostering excellence in both traditional and modern Highland music.
Working alongside it, the Society is a federal not-for-profit corporation that brings the Trust’s vision to life. It provides the people, funding, and resources needed to sustain programs, train youth, and maintain operations.
Together, these two bodies form a balanced structure: the Trust defines purpose and direction, while the Society delivers execution and support. Their relationship is formally guided by an Agency Agreement, ensuring alignment and accountability. We are also very thankful to AGLC (the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission) for their generous charitable support that aids us offering a well rounded training and travel experience for the Youth Squad.
This is clearly not just another pipe band, we are a leadership based organization training the leaders of tomorrow!
Our Aims and Objectives
Our aim is to preserve and honour the legacy of the 78th Fraser Highlanders—their leaders, soldiers, and historical context—while supporting ongoing research into 18th-century British and Scottish military history.
We bring this history to life through youth programs, public performances, and cultural events, promoting awareness of Canada’s heritage and the Scottish contribution to it. Central to our mission is educating and developing young people, fostering discipline, teamwork, respect, and a strong sense of honour.
We strive to celebrate our traditions and encourage service to community and country, through a program designed to install a sense of self discipline, reliance, teamwork and excellence.
The Command Group
Each of the 11 Outposts and Garrisons across Canada and the United States operates with its own vision and priorities, reflecting the needs of its local community, while overall direction is guided by Regimental Headquarters in Montreal.
Fort Calgary Garrison is a registered Charitable Trust, governed by a board of 14 executives who oversee its operations and ensure responsible stewardship. As a charity, it can issue tax receipts for donations, supporting its programs and long-term sustainability.
At the heart of the Garrison is its Youth Training Program. This initiative not only develops strong, capable young people, but also sustains the organization itself—many participants return as adult members, continuing the cycle of leadership, service, and tradition.