First Masters Solo Drumming Invitational Jan. 31st lines up eight pipe band greats

The eight contestants in the first Masters Solo Drumming Invitational Competition in Glasgow on Saturday, January 31st, have been determined:

• Alex Buchanan, Raphoe, Ireland
• Glen Creighton, Livingston, Scotland
• Stephen Creighton, Dublin
• Willie Glenholmes, Cullybackey, Northern Ireland
• Jake Jörgensen, Edinburgh
• Craig Lawire, Paisley, Scotland
• Andrew Lawson, Edinburgh
• Steven McWhirter, Glasgow

2025 World Solo Drumming Champion Kerr McQuillan of Glasgow had to decline his invitation due to a commitment to teach at the Celtic Arts Foundation’s Winter School in Seabrook, Washington.

Inspired by the Glenfiddich Solo Piping Championships and the Band Room Masters Solo Drumming Championship held for a few years in the 1990s, the contest is organized by Inveraray & District snare drummer Cam Lawson, and comprises MMSSRR and Medley events, the best aggregate winning the championship. The total prize pool is £1700.

The contest is not sanctioned by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and may therefore use unaccredited judges and any format it chooses. There is no qualifying criterion for the competition. Unlike the rest of the world, there is no sanctioning association for solo pipe band drummers or solo pipers in the UK.

Arthur Cook, Gordon Lee and Steven Nelson will judge the MMSSRR, and Mick O’Neill, Eric Ward and Barry Wilson are assessing the Medley, and Craig Muirhead will host throughout the events.

Stay tuned to pipes|drums for results from the 2026 Masters Solo Drumming