About Stockbridge Pipe Band

Our History

Three Decades of Edinburgh Tradition

Stockbridge Pipe Band is a community-orientated pipe band based in Edinburgh, with bands registered in Grades 3B and 4B of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Founded in 1994 just north of the city centre, we have been bringing the rich tradition of Scottish pipe band music to the heart of the community for over 30 years.

The band began competing at the major championships in 2006 and has grown steadily since - promoted from Grade 4B to Grade 4A in 2008, then from Grade 4A to Grade 3B in 2009. In 2010 we formed a new Grade 4B Band, and in 2013 the senior band was promoted to Grade 3A and both bands have competed in RSPBA competitions ever since.

Throughout our history we have marched through the streets of Edinburgh, performed at Highland games across Scotland, and represented the city at the World Pipe Band Championships.

Read the Full Band History

Stockbridge Pipe Band on the Edinburgh May Day Parade

Milestones

Our Journey

1994

Founded in Edinburgh

Inspired by a piping course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye, Stockbridge resident Nick Guise set out to start a community pipe band, securing the use of St Vincent's Chapel on St Stephen Street as practice premises. Joined by founder members Lindsay Davidson, Tom Grotrian and Richard Kean (with Lindsay appointed the band's first Pipe Major and Nick as Pipe Sergeant and Secretary) the band gave its first performance at Stockbridge Parish Church on 12 December 1994. The Stewart of Appin Muted tartan was adopted as the band's uniform, which is worn with pride to this day.

2000

Euan Whitmore Takes Over

Euan Whitmore assumes leadership and begins a focused period of competitive development, building the band's membership and musical standards.

2003

First Overseas Trip

The band travels to Treviso, Italy - its first international engagement, funded through a combination of Lottery funding and dedicated fundraising.

2006

First Major Championship Appearances

Stockbridge enters the major championship circuit for the first time, competing at Grade 4B and beginning the journey that would lead to sustained competitive success.

2008

Grade 4B Champion of Champions 🏆

A landmark year - the band wins the British, European and World Championships to be crowned Grade 4B Champion of Champions. Promoted to Grade 4A.

2009

Promoted to Grade 3B

One year after reaching Grade 4A, the senior band earns promotion again - this time from Grade 4A to Grade 3B - a testament to rapid improvement on the competition field.

2010

Second Band Formed

Following promotion of the band from Grade 4A to Grade 3B, a new Grade 4B band is established, creating a formal pathway for new players and ensuring the long-term future of the Stockbridge family.

2013

Grade 3B Champion of Champions 🏆

The band wins the European and Cowal Championships to be crowned Grade 3B Champion of Champions 2013 - one of the proudest moments in Stockbridge history.

2014

Promoted to Grade 3A

Following the 2013 Champion of Champions title, the senior band is promoted from Grade 3B to Grade 3A - the top tier of Scottish pipe band competition.

2019

Three Bands, Three Grades

The Grade 4B band earns promotion to Grade 4A, and a new Grade 4B band is formed to keep welcoming players at every stage of their journey. For the first time, Stockbridge fields three competing bands (Grade 3A, Grade 4A and Grade 4B) a proud reflection of the band's growing strength in depth.

2020-2021

A Community Paused, Not Stopped

With competitions suspended across Scotland during the pandemic, Stockbridge Pipe Band focused on staying connected as a community, keeping the music alive and staying ready for a return to the boards.

2022

Back on the Boards

Competition returned in 2022 after two years away, and Stockbridge was there to greet it. Grade 4A players regrouped with the Grade 4B band to consolidate strength in numbers, with Stockbridge continuing to compete strongly at Grade 3A and Grade 4B.

2024

A Season of Contrasts

2024 brought a real mix of fortunes. The Grade 3A band faced a tough, character-building season on the competition field, while the Grade 4B band went from strength to strength, earning promotion to Grade 4A.

2025

A New Chapter

A move down to Grade 3B brought a change of leadership for the senior band, and with it, fresh energy and renewed ambition. Under new leadership, Stockbridge Pipe Band enters an exciting new era, focused on competitive success, growing our membership, and continuing to serve the Edinburgh community.

2026

Consolidating for the Future

The Grade 4A band returns to Grade 4B for the new season, bringing the band's players back together to sharpen focus and build strength in depth as Stockbridge sets its sights on the next promotion push.

Championship Titles

Honours Roll

Since the band began competing in 2006, Stockbridge Pipe Band has won the following championship titles.

Year	Title
2008	Grade 4B British, European, World Champions and Champion of Champions Promoted to Grade 4A
2010	Grade 4B Champion of Champions - Drum Corps
2011	Grade 3B Scottish Champions - Drum Corps and Band
2013	Grade 3B British Champions - Drum Corps
2013	Grade 3B European and Cowal Champions - Drum Corps and Band Promoted to Grade 3A
2013	Grade 3B Champion of Champions - Drum Corps and Band
2016	Grade 3A European Champions - Drum Corps
2018	Grade 4B British Champions - Drum Corps
2019	Grade 3A World Champions - Drum Corps
2026	Grade 4B British Champions - Drum Corps

What Drives Us

Our Mission & Values

Stockbridge Pipe Band exists to serve two equally important purposes: to compete at the highest level we can, and to be a genuine community resource for Edinburgh. Our primary goals are:

To encourage the continued development of the band, both musically and as an established community organisation within Stockbridge
To encourage the appreciation of Scottish music both locally and internationally
To provide a community focus and an opportunity for social interaction for all ages
To provide instruction to all ages in piping and drumming

We actively seek to attract new members - especially young people - and work hard to keep membership costs as low as possible. Our success on the competition circuit and our community work are not in conflict: they reinforce each other.

The band wears Stewart of Appin Muted tartan - a distinguished, understated tartan that reflects our identity as a serious, community-rooted organisation. Members compete and perform in full Highland dress.

On Stage

Performing at the Usher Hall

On 31st December 2025, members of the Development, Grade 4B and Grade 3B bands took to the stage at Edinburgh's iconic Usher Hall - joining the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra for their spectacular end of year concert.

Moments like this demonstrate the breadth of what Stockbridge Pipe Band can do: competing at championships one weekend, sharing a stage with world-class musicians the next. Pipe band music isn't just about competition - it's a living tradition that connects with all forms of music-making.

Stockbridge Pipe Band performing at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Our People

Band Leadership

With strong new leadership in place, Stockbridge Pipe Band is well positioned for its most successful period yet.

Competing Band

Grade 3B Band

Mark Bennett

Grade 3B Pipe Major

Leading the Grade 3B band's musical direction and competitive programme.

Mike Macaulay

Grade 3B Pipe Sergeant

Supporting the Pipe Major and assisting with the musical development of the pipe corps.

Jim Walker

Grade 3B Lead Drummer

Leading the Grade 3B drummers.

Competing Band

Grade 4B Band

Richard Fairnie

Grade 4B Pipe Major

Leading the Grade 4B band's musical direction and competitive programme.

Andy Park

Grade 4B Pipe Sergeant

Supporting the Pipe Major and assisting with the musical development of the pipe corps.

Alfie Cunningham

Grade 4B Lead Drummer

Overseeing the drum corps that won first place in drumming at the 2026 British Pipe Band Championships.

Administration

Band Committee

Stockbridge Pipe Band operates with a volunteer committee to ensure the organisation runs well. The band also holds an annual AGM - the next one is due to take place on Monday 28th September 2026.

Gordon Allan

Chairman

Chairing committee meetings and guiding the band's strategic direction.

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Courteney Elliot

Secretary

Managing correspondence and band administration.

Pat Rudolf von Rohr

Treasurer

Managing the band's finances and membership fees.

Martin Duncan

Engagements Manager

Coordinating the band's gigs, performances and engagements.

Mark Taylor

Quartermaster

Looking after the band's equipment, uniforms and instruments.

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Mark Love

Welfare and Safeguarding

Supporting the wellbeing of band members.

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Ola Orr

Welfare Officer