Alasdair Gillies
Alasdair is one of the most successful solo competitors on the circuit today. He has won both Highland Society of London’s Gold medals. [Argyllshire Gathering 1989, Northern Meeting 2004], the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering and the Gold Clasp at the Northern Meeting. He has won the Former Winners March, Strathspey & Reel event at the Northern Meeting a record 11 times, has won the overall at the Glenfiddich Championship 3 times, with 6 wins in the MSR event.
He was a military piper in the British Army for 17 years. [1980-1997] He was the last Pipe Major of the Queen’s Own Highlanders and first Pipe Major of The Highlanders. He gained a distinguished pass on the Pipe Majors course in 1986, and is holder of the Graduate certificate and Senior Teachers certificate from the Institute of Piping.
Now based in Pittsburgh, PA, he teaches the Carnegie Mellon University Pipe Band. The university offers a performance degree in bagpiping.
In the summer months, Alasdair teaches at the Balmoral Summer Schools. He is a long serving member of the Winter Storm and Mastery of Scottish Arts faculty.
He features on numerous recordings. His solo recordings include Volume 12 of the World’s Greatest Pipers series, The Pipers of Distinction series, and a new CD Rom by Ceol Mor Software, titled March Strathspey &Reel As Played By Alasdair Gillies. This features an audio recording with the written score exactly as played on the audio. This August, will see the release of his newest CD. ‘Lochbroom’. This was recorded at various recitals in Scotland in 2007.
