Updated: Mackay new ScottishPower Pipe-Sergeant

Donald Mackay, the former Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 Strathclyde Police Pipe Band who took them to several major championship victories, has joined the Grade 1 ScottishPower Pipe Band of Glasgow.

 

Mackay comes on board as the band’s new Pipe-Sergeant, working with Pipe-Major Chris Armstrong. He replaces long-time ScottishPower member Peter Hunt, who has left the band.

 

“Donald is a player I very much admire and has fantastic skills and attributes thatI felt would enhance the current band,” Armstrong said in a release. “His track record at the top of the grade speaks for itself and I welcome him on board.”

 

“On behalf of everyone in the ScottishPower Pipe Band, I’d like to thank Peter for his contributions and support over the years, and wish him all the best for the future,” Armstrong added.

 

Mackay said that he was impressed with the potential he saw in ScottishPower and the “impressive line-up of quality players” making it an easy decision. Mackay also cited Armstrong’s “focused and direct approach” as a factor.

 

Donald Mackay leaves the Strathclyde Police band after eight years, and three as Pipe-Major. He was replaced by current Pipe-Major Don Bradford in the middle of the 2008 season, despite leading the band to European, Scottish and Cowal championships.

 

The status of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band is still not known, but the band will reportedly stay together for the 2010 season. The Strathclyde Police force has been reviewing the band’s role within the organization, and has discussed potentially disallowing members of the band who are also serving police officers playing with the band during work hours, as well as eliminating the funding of guest players travelling to practices and competitions.