World Champs Field Marshal Lose Leading Drummer

In stunning pre-season news, Field Marshal Montgomery, the 2002 World Pipe Band Champions, have had their leading drummer, Andrew Scullion, resign due to “personal reasons.”

Recruited to fill the spot is Keith Orr, formerly leading drummer of the McNeilstown and Graham Memorial bands of Northern Ireland.

“Andrew Scullion has resigned from FMM for personal reasons,” said Richard Parkes, Pipe-Major of Field Marshal Montgomery. “We appreciate the major contribution Andy has made over the past four seasons. Andy has been instrumental in helping the band regain the World Championship title. The band wishes him well. Our new lead drummer, Keith Orr, has achieved many successes with his corps, including a first place in the Grade 1 World’s MSR in the early 1990s. The band are now looking forward to the future with Keith in charge of the drum corps.”

In early November, the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band had announced that Orr would take over its corps, after the departure of long time lead tip Jim Collins. No information has been obtained yet from that band as to who will fill the again-vacant position.

In October, Andrew Scullion’s brother John left the ScottishPower Pipe Band after over 10 years leading its drum section. Andrew Scullion is a previous winner of the World Solo Drumming Championship.

The Field Marshal loss is the latest in a series of leading drummer changes. Since August, the 78th Fraser Highlanders, Toronto Police, Glasgow Skye, ScottishPower, and Field Marshal Montgomery have all seen a change of drumming leadership.

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