John Moneagle returns to the Vale to lead drummers

Former Leading-Drummer John Moneagle is once again back in charge of the Grade 1 Vale of Atholl Pipe Band’s drum section. Moneagle’s appointment to the role was made official at a band meeting in Perth, Scotland, on November 17th.

Moneagle replaces Crawford Allan, who resigned the L-D post after less than a year. Allan had taken over from long-time Leading-Drummer Paul Turner, who left the band after the 2010 season, following five years with the Vale.

Moneagle originally joined the Vale in 1983 under Pipe-Major Ian Duncan when the band was Grade 2, and helped to reignite the group. The band was promoted to Grade 1 in 1984.

“We all know John, and there is a genuine buzz about having him back again, not least because of the potential to help us re-energise our teaching programs,” said Vale of Atholl Band Chairman Angus Clarke.

Moneagle lives in the historic piping village of Laggan, Scotland, home of the famous MacPherson family of pipers. He has been L-D of the Grade 3B Badenoch & Strathspey Pipe Band for several years. Moneagle was a part of Vale of Atholl’s teaching program, and Alistair “Bongo” McNab, a drummer who Moneagle taught from the start, will reportedly be his right hand man with the Vale.

Moneagle has also been a member of Pride of Murray, Scottish Gas and the Scots Guards.