Hundreds of pipers and drummers will march across Scotland this summer in an ambitious six-week showcase of military and civilian bands.

The Pipers' Trail, dubbed the Tattoo on Tour, will cover more than 470 miles from Lerwick in the north to Ayr in the south, ending with a week-long stay in Edinburgh to coincide with the Fringe Festival. Each mile will be piped by at least one musician, with performances by several bands in 11 towns and cities on the way.

The trail has been devised by the British Army and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association to merge piping talent from all backgrounds.

Brigadier H David Allfrey, Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade, said that it would help promote the Army's place in society.

He said: "We are hoping to engage with people, those who have an interest in piping and drumming and music in general. The intention is to provide, through the medium of bagpipes and Highland drumming, an insight into Scottish culture."

The Pipers' Trail will coincide will the 100-year anniversary of the Territorial Army and the centenary of the Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, which has a strong tradition of piping tuition.

The trail will have 11 workshops for beginners or those wanting to improve on piping skills.

Brigadier Allfrey said: "What is really exciting is that young people, or people of any age, can sample a workshop, have a rehearsal on the Friday and be out on the streets performing on the Saturday."

Eleven bands have been booked to start the event in Orkney and Shetland.

Drum major Drew Caldwell, of the 4th Battalion Scots Highlanders Royal Regiment, said: "When you are out in Iraq or Afghanistan, last thing at night as the sun goes down, it is nice to hear the skirl of the pipes."