Marching On: Band Shows Grit and Grace at UK Championships with 3rd place

On Saturday, 12th July 2025, the band proudly took to the field at the UK Pipe Band Championships, held for the first time at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, near Edinburgh Airport.

Despite being affected by holiday-season absences, the band remained firmly committed to attending the first major championship of the year. That determination saw us step onto the Grade 1 arena slightly under strength, but with full focus and professionalism.

The band delivered a confident performance in the March, Strathspey & Reel discipline, playing The Links of Forth, Inveraray Castle, and Loch Carron. We were encouraged by how we performed and our sound and ensemble cohesion held strong. Click here to enjoy the performance again.

Pipe Major Donald Mackay commented:
“Although we were slightly down on piping numbers for this event, we were quite happy overall with the performance.  It’s just a pity there weren’t more bands competing, as it would have given a clearer picture of where our performance truly stood in the field.  That said, I’m pleased we took part and delivered a steady, well-controlled performance — it was a strong showing given the circumstances, and that’s encouraging.  However, it can be frustrating when performances seem to be assessed more on numbers than on musical content, particularly by sections of the piping media. We’re now looking ahead with focus and confidence as we prepare for the Scottish Championships in Dumbarton in two weeks’ time.”                                                      

Congratulations of course to St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band from Ireland, who took the overall title on ensemble preference.

Grade 1 Leading Drummer Applications Open!

Johnstone Pipe Band is actively seeking a new Leading Drummer to join our team at the conclusion of the 2025 season. We are looking for a skilled and experienced individual with the drive and vision to lead our drum corps to the highest level in Grade One.

This is a key leadership role within a progressive and ambitious band, offering the opportunity to shape the future of our drum corps and contribute to continued success of the Johnstone Pipe Band organisation.

All enquiries and applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and discretion. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV to Pipe Major Donald Mackay at pipemajor.jpb@outlook.com and can receive further information about the role, the band’s vision and the next steps in the selection process. 

Gavin Orr to Step Down as Leading Drummer at End of 2025 Season – Opportunity Opens for New Leadership

It is with regret that Johnstone Pipe Band announces that Gavin Orr will resign from his position as Leading Drummer at the conclusion of the 2025 competitive season. Gavin joined the band in November 2022 and immediately brought a significant change to the band’s musical direction. Under his leadership, the band’s performances have steadily improved – strengthening our standing within the top grade.

Gavin remains fully committed and focused through the end of the season and we are aiming for a smooth and professional transition.

Gavin Orr said:

"I am extremely proud of what the band and drum corps have accomplished during my time here. This was a difficult decision, but one I felt was necessary. It has been a privilege to lead and develop our drum corps and I am deeply grateful to every player for their commitment and dedication they have shown me. I want to especially thank Pipe Major Donald Mackay for his support and guidance throughout my tenure. It has been an honour to work alongside such a respected and accomplished leader. I remain fully committed to delivering our best performances this season and look forward to making great music together. I wish the band continued success in the future.”

Pipe Major Donald Mackay said:

"All of us here at the Johnstone Pipe Band organisation would like to sincerely thank Gavin for everything he’s brought to the band. His leadership, dedication and musicality have played a major role in our development and it has been a pleasure working alongside him. We fully respect his decision and are grateful he remains focused and committed to finishing the season strong. As we look ahead, this opens an exciting opportunity for a new Leading Drummer to join a focused and ambitious team. We are aiming for a smooth and professional transition and look forward to building on the foundations Gavin has helped create.”

The band is now inviting applications from experienced and motivated drummers who are ready to take on a pivotal leadership role within a highly competitive and forward-thinking pipe band. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of the drum corps and work alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence and growth.

All enquiries and applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and discretion. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV to Pipe Major Donald Mackay at pipemajor.jpb@outlook.com and can receive further information about the role, the band’s vision and the next steps in the selection process.

From Jigs and Reels to Refreshments in Pails: A Night at the Eagle Pipers'

A great evening last night in the capital city giving a few tunes to the Eagle Pipers Society. 

6 pipers from the Grade 1 started the evening playing a variety of sets from the bands repertoire. Gordon McCready then played a few solo sets to bring the first half to a close. 

One of our up and coming pipers from the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band, Aaron Hughes, started the second half with a few more solo sets before the band took over for their second stint on the floor.

The evening was brought to a close in the traditional society manner with a Piobaireachd, played by young Peter Mackay, who played the Marquis of Argyll's Salute.

Please click on the link here for the full report written up by the society's Honorary Pipe Major Euan Anderson.

The band would like to thank Douglas Gardiner, the Society's President, for inviting us through and for all the members for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Oh... and apologies to the society for beating the record of any attending guests in smashing the bar bill! Haha!

Ceres Games Results for Solo Pipers

Johnstone Pipers fared very well in the solo piping events at the recent Ceres Highland Games held in Fife on Saturday 28th June.

Open Piobaireachd: 3rd Keith Bowes - The Desperate Battle, 4th Hector Munro - The Kings Taxes

Open March: 1st Thomas Turner

Open Strathspey & Reel: 2nd Thomas Turner 

Very well done to all those that entered and competed on the day.

Band Launches Summer Sizzler Prize Raffle with £1,000 Grand Prize!

We are excited to announce the launch of our Summer Sizzler Prize Raffle, offering supporters a chance to win a grand prize of £1,000. 

1st Price - £1000 - 2nd Prize - £100 - 3rd Prize - Will be 4 individual prizes of £25 each!

Tickets are priced at just £5 each and can be purchased from any band member.

This fundraising initiative aims to support the band’s ongoing activities and community projects, while giving back to the loyal fans and local supporters.

Don’t miss your chance to help keep the music alive and win big this summer!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact any Johnstone Pipe Band member. 

Winning ticket to be drawn on Wed 18th August 2025.  

Good Luck!!

Band on the Run - to the East!

The Grade 1 band headed east to Edinburgh on Sunday 15th June for their first competition appearance of 2025. George Watson's College were the hosts for the Edinburgh Pipes and Drums Contest which attracted five bands for the Grade 1 event.

It was a cold day with a blustery wind and although the band was not to full numbers it was a good contest to get the year started.

March, Strathspey & Reel was the discipline for Grade 1 and the band played their The Links of Forth, Inveraray Castle and Loch Carron set.

Congratulations to the overall winners, Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia, taking the contest on ensemble preference. The full results were as follows:

1st Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia, 2nd Inveraray & District, 3rd Police Scotland Fife, 4th Johnstone, 5th Vale of Atholl

The band now look forward to preparing for their first major championship which will again be held in Edinburgh on 12th July at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingilston. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Pipe Major’s Interview

We’re honoured to share a brilliant interview with our Pipe Major, Donald Mackay, as part of the final releases in the Pipers’ Persuasion series.

In this episode, Donald reflects on his journey through piping from his roots in the Highlands, his time in the Army, to taking on high profile roles such as Pipe Major of Strathclyde Police and Pipe Sergeant of ScottishPower and now leading the charge here at Johnstone.

The final episodes mark the conclusion of the Pipers’ Persuasion project, an incredible archive of conversations with many of the piping and pipe band world’s most influential figures. We’re delighted to see the full collection being preserved for future generations at the National Library of Scotland, the National Piping Centre, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye.

You can watch the interview here.

Massive thanks and commendations go to Allan Hamilton, the man behind the project for his huge contribution to the history and tradition of our art form.

Grade 3 - Up and Running!

After a few years hiatus, it was fantastic to see our Grade 3 band stepping back out into the circle once again. Under the Leadership of Pipe Major Keith Bowes Snr and Leading Drummer Jennifer McVey, the band attended their first competition of the 2025 season at Dollar on Saturday 24th May where they were placed 3rd overall. A great start to the season securing two 1st placings in Piping. This is now great momentum to push forward into the rest of the competition season.

Kevin Beaton Completes Third Year at RCS with First Class Recital

Congratulations to Piper Kevin Beaton on completing his Royal Conservatoire of Scotland end of year recital which was held this afternoon at the National Piping Centre. This signals the end of his 3rd year studying the Traditional Music course.

The focus of his recital was close to his roots of South Uist where he researched and showcased some of the life and work of the famous Roidein brothers, Seonaidh and Ruairidh. 

Well done Kevin on an outstanding presentation.

Gordon McCready Returns to Solo Scene with Strong Performances and Podcast Feature

Gordon McCready has been enjoying getting back out playing and competing on the solo circuit this year and was recently invited to the Wheel of Fortune Competition organised by the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band. 

This was recorded by Gary West for his excellent weekly Piping Podcast show - Enjoy Your Piping. Click the link here to hear part of Gordon's set on the day and browse through the rest of Gary's episodes which are also a great listen. 

Gordon has already won the Former Winners March, Strathspey & Reel event at the Scottish Pipers Association annual contest last month and recently at Blair Atholl Games came 2nd in the P/A Grade Piobaireachd playing The Earl of Ross' March. 

Well done Gordon!

Welcome to the Johnstone Pipe Band News Site!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the official news site of the Johnstone Pipe Band — your new go-to source for all things piping and drumming from our band family.

Here, you'll find the latest updates on competitions, performances, band achievements, and behind-the-scenes stories from both our Grade 1 and Grade 3A bands. Whether you're a long-time supporter or a new fan, this space is for you.

Stay tuned as we celebrate our passion for music, community, and tradition — one note at a time.

Welcome aboard, and let the journey begin!