Famous Bagpipe Pipe Majors

Donald Macleod is widely regarded as one of the greatest pipers of the 20th century, both in terms of his competition prowess and as an outstanding composer and arranger of memorable pipe tunes.

The death of Willie Lawrie at age 35 in 1916 remains to this day one of piping’s greatest premature losses. A native of Ballachulish, Argyll, he was first taught by his father, but later by John MacColl, with whom he remained friends throughout his brief life. In 1910 he became only the second piper ever to win the Gold Medals at both Oban and Inverness in the same year

Eric Rigler's legendary 40-year career on the bagpipes is world-famous. From performing "Amazing Grace" at PRESIDENT REAGAN'S funeral to hundreds of appearances, films and recordings such as BRAVEHEART,

England had banned bagpipes from the front line as they attracted enemy fire. But Bill Millin's commander said the landings needed a morale boost. Millin got a pass because of his Scottish heritage.

Angus MacColl from Benderloch, Scotland was awarded the 2021 Silver Chanter tonight. This was the 55th year of the iconic competition. Held tonight at the National Piping Centre’s headquarters in McPhater Street, Glasgow, the recital/contest took place in front of a black-tie physical audience

More than 200 family and friends of the late Alasdair Gillies paid their last respects as the great piper, who died suddenly on August 27th, was laid to rest in Ullapool, Scotland.

King’s Own Scottish Borderers piper Daniel Laidlaw made history when he inspired his comrades into a successful assault on German lines, bravery that earned him the VC.

Iain Grant is one of the best Scottish Highland Pipers available for any occasion. Iain was one of the Pipers in the famous George Hotel Scottish Evening, here in Edinburgh, starring Grant Frazer - the 'romantic voice of Scotland'.

Country House Weddings offers six hand-picked wedding venues, chosen for their picturesque settings and opulent interiors, and designed solely with weddings in mind. From castles to country estates, a wedding-day dream can be created for all.

Welcome Pipe Major David McRobb
Duty Piper “Creating meaningful moments and a lifetime of memories”
Duty Piper will work hand in hand with you to achieve your desired outcome, our goal is to add value in every way with what we do to make your memories.

Pipe Major Cameron Edgar is a professional bagpiper for hire in Yorkshire covering Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Halifax, Huddersfield, Hull, Doncaster, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Nottingham, York and Manchester.

Welcome to PiperDuffy.co.uk, offering the hire of a bagpiper for all occasions, from weddings to birthdays to funerals and more. Hire your Scottish piper here. Pipe Major Steve Duffy

Western Canadian piping lost one of its great contributors with the passing of Jim McWilliams in Surrey, British Columbia, on September 23, 2022. including Pipe Major Donald MacLeod’s Collection of Music for the Bagpipe, Book 6.

Donald Macleod is widely regarded as one of the greatest pipers of the 20th century, both in terms of his competition prowess and as an outstanding composer and arranger of memorable pipe tunes. He was born in Stornoway in 1916 and initially taught the pipes by his father, Donald “Doyle” MacLeod, pipe major of the Lewis Pipe Band,

Since 2010, Meridith has been playing her bagpipes for folks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Whether you are looking to set that celebratory, uptempo mood, or for something more meditative, my large repertoire has something for your event. Pipe Major of Macalester’s Grade 5 (Beginner) band. Both bands actively compete across the United States and internationally.

WILLIE ROSS -Pipe Major, M.B.E.- (1878-1966) While many who heard them live contend that G. S. McLennan was the finest strathspey and reel player during the early years of the 20th century, John MacColl the best march player, and John MacDonald of Inverness the best piobaireachd player

The bagpipes and drums of the Nelson Mandela Artillery are based in Cape Town. Formally known as the Cape Field Artillery with a history dating back to 1952. The band is now into its 40th year of tenure under the leadership of it’s 5th Pipe Major Grant Scheffel who is taking the band into its next dimension

Pipe Major Harry Farrar and the Bagpipe Players provides top notch bagpipers and drummers for all kinds of unique events. The group has the most experienced, professional and reliable musicians in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and Southern California.

The ancient custom of having a loved one's send-off graced by a Lament and having the Piper, clad in traditional Highland regalia, playing the pipes as he fades off into the distance (being symbolic of the spirit going home) is truly majestic and moving. As a member of the Supreme Grade I World Champions and Champions of Champions, Muirhead & Sons Pipe Band, Pipe Major Richardson toured in the former USSR and represented Scotland and the United Kingdom at the Canadian bicentennial.

I’m a self-confessed piping nerd who’s passionate about bagpipes, having played for 20 years as a professional piper, high-grade soloist, and band player, and I've been Pipe Major (band leader) of the Las Vegas Pipe Band for the last 12 years.

Simply put, Captain John A. MacLellan MBE (1921-1991) was one of the most important pipers of the 20th century. A military man, he joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders as a boy piper in 1936. In 1941, he was appointed Pipe Major of the 9th Battalion, Queen’s Own Highlanders: he was then aged 19 and the youngest Pipe Major in the British Army at that point.

He was native of Edinburgh, and joined the Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band in the early 1950s under Pipe-Major Donald Shaw-Ramsay. As pipe major of the legendary Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, McLeod won five World Pipe Band Championships, in 1963, 1964, 1971, 1972 and 1975, and led what was really the first and perhaps only world-famous competition-focused band whose renown extended beyond the piping and drumming community.

PM O’Neil started his pipe band career in 1991 as a side drummer with the Fort McMurray Pipes and Drums. In 1995 he relocated to Edmonton and joined the Big Rock Pipe Band Grade 3 Drum Corps, at the same time, started to learn bagpipes on his own.  Three years later, Bill transferred to Red Deer, Alberta and became a member of the Red Deer Legion Pipe Band as a grade 4 piper. Two years later he was appointed Pipe Sergeant.

In April 1945 The Mass Canadian Army Pipe Band, consisting of fifteen Divisional Pipe Bands, performed a memorial service at Vimy Ridge under the leadership of Pipe Major Edmund Esson of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Pipe Major William Gillis of the Cape Breton Highlanders played a lament over his fathers grave, Corporal Jack Gillis of the 85th Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders, who was killed on Easter Sunday April 15th 1917, during that epic battle.

The 48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums are a world famous pipe band from Toronto Ontario, Canada. Archie served with the 48th Highlanders from 1928 until his retirement in 1965 He served overseas from 1939 until 1945. While in Holland in 1945 he was appointed Pipe Major of the 48th Highlanders Overseas Battalion.