About the Band

Williamwood Pipe Band has grown from a Boys Brigade band which was formed in 1946. It is based in the Clarkston area of Glasgow where we practice twice a week. 

We currently have over 50 members whose ages range from eight to over seventy.

The aim of the band is to sustain the growth of Scottish musical culture, to teach anyone who wants to learn, to encourage youth development and to spread the joy of music through our performances in both competitions and gigs.

We play at parades, gala days, concerts, professional body dinners, weddings and compete in major pipe band championships and local highland games.

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Our overseas connections are very special to us and we have frequently performed at -

• Muhldorf am Inn and Balingen, Germany

• Tapia de Casariego and Aviles, Spain

• Rabat, Morocco 

• Chicago, United States of America

• Turkey

• Sicily, Italy

• Ville-la-Grand, France

• Copenhagen, Denmark

• Pilzen, Czech Republic

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As well as playing several competitions across the United Kingdom, we also play at major sporting events. In 2012, the band led the Olympic and Paralympic athletes through the streets of Glasgow; and in 2016, we played for the tennis Davis Cup Tour and the International Homeless Football Tournament. We have also joined the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra in concert and supported Celtic Thai Tims, both at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. We play Armistice parades every year in Airdrie/Coatbridge.

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The band leaders are as follows - 

Dave Watson - Pipe Major

Dave took on the role of Pipe Major in late 2017. Dave had previously played for Williamwood throughout his youth, and rejoined the band in 2015. 

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Scott Ratcliffe - Pipe Sergeant

Scott started learning the bagpipes through the Boys Brigade in 2004 aged 11, before joining the band in 2006. He was awarded Piper's Piper of the Year in 2014 and last year he was promoted to junior pipe sergeant.

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Stuart Paterson - Lead Drummer

Stuart has an extensive drumming career spanning over four decades! Stuart was lead drummer at Williamwood before taking a short break from the band. He has also been lead drummer of Denny & Dunipace Gleneagles, Knightswood and Johnstone Pipe Band.

  

Fiona McLellan - Lead Tenor Drummer

At aged 19, Fiona joined the band in 2009 as a complete beginner, taking on the role as lead tenor drummer in 2011. Fiona is also our standby competing bass drummer!

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Tutors

The band welcomes people at any stage in their muscial ability. The band have a group of fantastic tutors - 

• Andy & Iain Melvin - Bagpipe Tutors. Andy & Iain both tutor privately. Andy has just started a non-competing section of the band, enabling beginner pipers to come in and gain the experience of playing with a band, as well as learning the tunes the competing band play at a more leisurely rate. 

• Beth McNeil - Tenor / Bass Drumming Tutor. Beth started off as a complete beginner at Williamwood Pipe Band and is now a grade 1 tenor drummer with Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia. She teaches from complete beginners, through to members who have playing for a number of years, always helping to improve existing skills.

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Child Protection Statement

We take the safety of all children performing with us very seriously. Our Child Protection Statement can be viewed upon request.