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History of the House of Scotland
In 1968, the band unfortunately underwent a drastic and traumatic break-up when about one-half of the band moved back to Scotland. This crippled the band considerably, but it was reformed in 1971 as a full pipe band. Some members of that band were amalgamated with members from the former Campbell Pipe Band and others, under Campbell Naismith, to form what has remained since, "The House of Scotland Pipe Band." Some members in the 1970's and 1980's were Herb Fuller, Jim, Campbell and Shelia Naismith, Bill Bowie, Jim Hamilton, Ken and Jamie Isaac, Duncan Miller, Scott McIver, Tracey McPike, Joyce Bruce, Kurt Hoegar, Jean Bruce,
Sally MacIntyre, Carla Lassman, Geoff and Jerry Richardson, James Moore, and Scott MacKay. Dancers who performed with the band included Margo Naismith, Kay Hamilton, Kelly and Tracy Ciambrone, Shawn Day, Carole Wyle, Noelle Brabant and Jennifer Celland. Now, the House of Scotland had a bonafide pipe band to carry its name through decades of triumphant competition and public performances all over the southwest.
In addition to running the band, Campbell Naismith would manage the House of Scotland's perpetual trophies and plaques which are coveted prizes for the best pipers, drummers and dancers at the annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games. Campbell was voted "Man of the Year" by the House of Pacific Relations in 1974. John Rosenberger's wife, Yvonne, was voted "Woman of the Year" that same year for her work in the House of France.
In 1965, Elizabeth "Pearl" Butters was elected as president of the House of Scotland. An interesting last name. Herb Fuller says he researched it one time and it turned out the Butters were a very influential family in Scotland's history. Pearl was succeeded by Jessie Haywood, Pipe Major John Haywood's wife, who held the office during 1966.
The House of Scotland Pipe Band and the Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band would both perform for the House of Scotland's annual lawn programs in a "massed bands" presentation until the late 1980's. At that time, professional jealousy seemed to rear its ugly head between the two successful bands, and the Camerons began playing for the House of Ireland's annual lawn programs.
The Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band continues to this day. With John Rosenberger's son Charles, a piper considered among he very best, now at its helm, the enduring Camerons have become the oldest continuous bagpipe band west of the Mississippi.
In April of 1970, Mayor Frank Curran presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of San Diego to the House of Scotland for their "contributions to social, educational and cultural life in the community."