What instrument do you play?

I play the bagpipes (the musical side of the band)!

I joined Lanark & District in July 2003 but during the 2006 season I was dual registered with Glasgow Skye Association.  Now I play in the grade 3 Band and I'm also the Pipe Major of the grade 4 Band.  I started originally with Annan Ex-Service Club Pipe Band and competed with them for 3 years in both Grades 2 and 3.  I moved from there in 2000 to Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary in Grade 2 and stayed with them until I joined Lanark.

 

Where are you from?

I'm originally from Dornock, which is a small village outside Annan.  These days, I live in Lanark.

  

What's your occupation?

I am a Scientist, working for a company that is developing molecular diagnostics products.

 

At what age did you start playing?

I started playing in 1993 when I was 8 years old.

 

What made you join a pipe band?

My Uncle taught the chanter at a night class and asked me if I wanted to come along.  I agreed and I've never looked back since!

  

Do you play any other instruments?

Piping is my musical life and I have no time for anything else!  I did dabble in the guitar for a while but my lack of patience took over.

   

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

I have a lot of influences; pipe band wise it has to be Field Marshall Montgomery - to play with a sound like that would be my all-time ambition.  In the solo world, pipers like Gordon Duncan, Gordon Walker, Stuart Liddell have really inspired me over the years.

 

What are the best moments of your playing career?

I have a lot of good moments - winning prizes in solo competitions as a juvenile, coming 3rd at the Worlds in grade 2 with D&G Constabulary and being Champions and Champions in Grade 3B with Lanark in our first season in the grade.

 

It's good to be able to say that I've been playing with Lanark since they were in 4B and I've moved up the grades with them.

  

And the worst moments?

Whenever I've encountered bad or biased judging – it's one thing that constant practice will never beat. 

 

What are your favourite tunes?

I have a few - Bronni's Blue Brozzie, The spice of life, Duncan Johnstone and Francis Morton to name a few.

  

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

I have quite a varied taste in music but I have to say that my favourite band is the Killers - I am a Mr Brightside fanatic!!

 

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

Too many to talk about, but a time when a certain Drum Major, who was making a guest appearance with the Band for Lanimers one year, almost impaled a small child in a push chair with his mace does come to mind.  (It maybe wasn't so funny for the child or parents mind you)!  I'm not naming names! (but I can be bribed!).

 

Are there any particular performances in the pipe band world that stick in your mind?

Field Marshall's 2001 medley was a great choice of music and great playing, other than that the pre-worlds concert this year (2009) by SFU was outstanding.

 

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

My current goal is to help take Lanark as far as it will go.  In the future... who knows!

  

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

Robbie William's personal assistant - I'm sure I could teach him a thing or two!!!