Donnie,

See this article from the Calgary Highlanders web page:

http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/skins.htm

The Wellington (New Zealand) Scottish Pipes & Drums gives this explanation on their site:

Often the bass drummer will wear a leopard skin over the shoulders in the manner of the standard bearers of the Roman legions, and the drum will be emblazoned with the Regimental Battle Honours if it is a military band.
http://www.wspd.wellington.net.nz/pi...assdrummer.htm

Cheers,

T.