Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band was founded in January 1975 in the Chicago area by Pipe Major Ian Swinton and Leading Drummer Jim Sim. From the start, the band set out to be more than a parade outfit, with a clear aim of building a serious competitive pipe band capable of performing at a world level. A teaching programme for young players was central to that plan.

The band became a major name in Midwest piping, developing through competition and education. In 2001, after losing several players, Midlothian merged with the Chicago Metropolitan Pipe Band under Pipe Major Bob Boyle and Leading Drummer Marty Boyle. That combined group dropped to Grade 3, but immediately won the Grade 3 North American Championship and placed second at the World Pipe Band Championships.

After periods of change, retirement and a temporary closure around 2009, Midlothian returned to competition in 2012, led by Pipe Major Evette Miller and Lead Drummer Adam Rusek. The band continued rebuilding, later competing strongly in Grade 2, and is now based in Lombard, Illinois. Its own site describes it as the Midwest’s premier competitive pipe band since 1975.