A Challenge No One Expected

The Pandemic & Rebuilding

After the enormous effort required to prepare for Scotland, the band decided not to hold its annual ceilidh in 2019, giving members a well-earned break.

That break would become much longer than anyone expected.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought band activities to a halt for approximately two years and had a significant effect on pipe bands around the world. Some musicians chose not to return to the hobby, and the Caledonian found itself facing the familiar challenge of rebuilding.

The band also lost access to its longtime practice home at Loch Lomond Villa because of the vulnerability of residents within the nursing home environment.

Once again, the band needed a home.

And once again, an old relationship became part of a new chapter.

The band's friends at HMCS Brunswicker welcomed the Caledonian back, providing access to the new Naval Reserve facility for practices.

The move helped create new momentum. Former players returned, musicians moving into the area joined the band, recruitment resumed, and membership began to grow.

By 2022–2023, the band had resumed its schedule of performances, parades, and competitions.