What instrument do you play?

Bagpipes, made by Strathmore a few years ago that may or may not have been made by Derek the PM!

 

When did you join Lanark & District Pipe Band and have you played anywhere else before?

I joined Lanark & District this year (2009) and played for Vale of Clyde the year before that.

  

Where are you from?

Inverness.

  

What's your occupation?

I sell Coke (and occasionally enjoy it as well).

 

At what age did you start playing?

44

 

What made you join a pipe band?

At 43 I realised I would never make it playing professional rugby, so I thought there might be an outside chance of getting on the pitch with a set of pipes.

 

Do you play any other instruments?

Does the practice chanter count?

  

Who would you say have been your main influences in the pipe band world and why?

Gareth Rudolph, who plays for SLOT; he taught me how to play in under a year, and he's no a bad player either!

 

What are the best moments of your playing career?

Playing at the Worlds in the first year of joining a band.

 

And the worst moments?

Playing at the Worlds in the first year of joining a band!  It was the most nervous I've been since I got married.

 

What are your favourite tunes?

Leaving Barra was the first tune I learned and I have a soft spot for it.  Caber Feidh as a march 'cause it's odd and The Dark Island 'cause it's haunting when played well.

 

Other than pipe bands, what type of music do you like to listen to?

Anything, mostly rock, 80's (sorry), and classical.

 

Any particularly funny moments from your time in pipe bands that you'd like to share?

I'm sure they are yet to come!

 

What are your current and future goals in the pipe band world?

To be able to play everything that Julie, the PM, puts in front of us without forgetting it the moment I cross the line!

 

If you could be anyone else for a day, past or present, who would it be?

I'd be:

Valentino Rossi in the morning, to have the chance to ride a bike at 200mph. 

Alain Baxter in the afternoon, to understand what it's like to ski that fast.  

Michael Jackson (the whisky guy, not the dead singer guy) in the evening, to know the difference between all the great malts.

My dog at night - it must be great sleeping that much and not feeling guilty!