Being retired these days give me a big opportunity to indulge my other passion - that of Scottish music and mainly Pipe Bands. I am proud to say I am the Senior Drum Major with the famous band of Denny and Dunipace. I've been with them for approximately thirteen years and have experienced the many highs and lows with them. The highest has to have been when the Band won the World Championships in 2006, taking all three elements of piping, drumming and bass section all at the same time! Doesn't get better than that! The Band have travelled to many places but mostly to France with Dijon being a favourite destination. Last time we were there we won Best Street Band which is the one all the groups attending want to get. The Pipe Major was a picture when it was announced we'd won. Had to tell him it was all down to the cracking looking Drum Major at the front. Proof was we'd not won it prior to my arrival! As you may tell modesty is my middle name!

In April 2011 I will be elected to the National Council of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association which was another proud moment for me. I was elected to serve by the Stirling Branch of the Association and will thus have absolutely no excuse for not being at any of the five Major competitions! It will be hard work but I'm looking forward to the new challenges. I had, prior to this, had a period as a steward. To keep my feet firmly on the ground my daughter stated she thought it hilarious that someone who had risen to the challenge of breaking every rule in the Association's book was now formulating those very rules!! Children can be cruel!   Last year Paul asked me to act as guide for a couple who were very interested in the Highland Distilleries. I jumped at the chance and enjoyed every minute of it, especially when I was asked to divert for them to a Highland Games. We did this and my knowledge of what happens came in extremely useful. As did my reputation with Bands. I got several hellos from players much to the delight of my clients who readily availed themselves of the photo opportunities this created.

I look forward to working with Paul again so that I may pass on any information that will make your trip more enjoyable. Paul will probably label that as blethering right enough!    Slainté Mhath na h'Alba

Paul's note; and boy can he blether! If it were an Olympic sport, Scotland would be GOLD every time. looking at these photos I sometimes wonder - why? a sleeping king? asleep with a pint! Soon to be son in law Gavin on the right of this threesome (me in middle)!

Having been a Drum Major for many years, one of the more enjoyable parts is teaching newcomers. I have been lucky enough to teach in such diverse places such as France, the Isle of Man, the United States and Spain, and also here in Scotland. I am glad to say I keep in touch with many of the friends I have made.

Another side to being a DM is you get free whisky every so often! Now THAT is not to be sniffed at whichever way you look at it! Obviously I have tasted a lot throughout my career and have some very definite favourites. I tend to lean towards the lighter, sweeter whiskys of the Strathspey area, although I have a couple of top favourites that are nowhere near there! My top two at present are Glendronach 18 years old and any of the Highland Parks. Glendronach just slips down easily you tend to forget the price! and Highland Park just don't have a whisky I don't like - simple!  If pushed hard I will also admit to liking an Irish whiskey (note the difference in spelling!) and not, as everyone first assumes, Bushmills. The brand I truly like is Clontarff. If you ever see the Clontarff Triple buy it! It gives you a taste of three of the brand's they distil. Lovely stuff. Now, if I can persuade Paul to buy me a Christmas present..........................!