MacDonald resigns as L.A. Scots Pipe-Major

Scott MacDonald has resigned as Pipe-Major of the Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band after 14-years in the role. Colin Armstrong, a piper with the band, is the group’s new leader.

Except for a brief hiatus a few years ago, MacDonald has led the band since 1990, taking it from a Grade 3 outfit to one of the United States’ premier bands.

MacDonald says, “My decision was based on me just saying that 14 years is enough. It is time for me to spend more time with my family. My children are getting into more activities and I need to support them.”

The L.A. Scots organization plans to start a new lower-grade band, with which MacDonald will play a key role as instructor. He says that he will continue to play with Grade 1 band under Armstrong, who is MacDonald’s nephew.

“I will support the new Pipe-Major Colin Armstrong,” MacDonald continued. “Colin has tremendous talent and he is a very accomplished musician. He has been involved in the development of the band over the past couple of years so he will not be going in without some experience.”

The move is the second major change for the L.A. Scots in the off-season. The band appointed Andrew Hoinicki Leading Drummer in the fall, replacing Carl Lenny, who returned to play with the House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band.

“My decision was a bit of a surprise to the band, but they have responded the way I expected — very supportive and excited with the new direction.”

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