Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band

Mark began his percussion studies at the age of seven, and took on the pipe band style from the age of thirteen. A former member of the National Childrens’ Orchestra, and National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Mark’s pipe band career began through the Scottish Schools’ CCF, during which he won several solo competitions under the tutelage of Jim Walker and Bryn Butler.

After spending some time abroad in Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Mark returned to the pipe band scene, playing with Milngavie and then Scottish Gas Pipe Band whilst at university in Edinburgh. More recently, he made his Grade One debut playing with Gary Corkin and the former RUC drum corps in the Glasgow Pipes and Drums.

Mark taught orchestral percussion, drum kit, and pipe band drumming in schools around North Ayrshire and Glasgow for several years. He now concentrates mostly upon playing music. Outside of the pipe band scene, Mark also competes with the championship grade Kingdom Brass Band, as well as playing with various ceilidh bands. More recently he has been developing a new folk band trio called Caber Feidh.

Over the last few years, Mark has turned his hand to writing tunes, one of which can be heard on the latest Finlay MacDonald Band recording ReEcho.