Organized by William L. Black in 1973, under Potentate Emery J. Ansorge, the band was Chartered with 12 members. The Highlanders selected the Royal Stewart tartan for the band. The first uniformed appearance occurred at the 1975 Tripoli Shrine Circus.
One of the events made famous by the group is the annual Tartan Ball. Initiated in 1976, this event has filled the house every year since. Its combination of Highland music, colorful Scottish dances, food, good cheer, and social dancing has been uniquely successful. The band’s many other public appearances also demonstrate not only the popularity of the band, but the energy of its members.
The Highlanders are Nobles of
Tripoli Shrine Temple – Milwaukee, Wisconsin