Margaret McCrindle was appointed as an RSPBA Director on 12 March 2011. Her involvement in the pipe band world began when her daughter took up the pipes at school and joined Muirkirk and District Pipe Band. Margaret soon became part of the band community herself, taking on the roles of quartermaster and seamstress. Even after her daughter moved on to another band, Margaret remained committed to Muirkirk, eventually becoming Chairperson and representing the band at branch meetings. She was responsible for registering the band for contests and regularly supported local engagements, often driving the community bus to gala days with a small group of players.

Margaret spent a season as a Steward at branch contests before stepping into the role of National Councillor when the position became vacant, encouraged by Campbell Waddell. This experience led naturally to her appointment as a Director, where she has continued to be a dedicated and active contributor to the Association. Her responsibilities include preparing arenas before contests, ensuring safe ground conditions, placing adjudicator boxes, greeting bands at the line, directing them to the appropriate adjudicator, and collecting and checking critique and placing sheets before taking them to compiling. She also attends Board meetings and reports back to her branch.

Beyond her formal duties, Margaret is deeply involved in Girlguiding. She is a Rainbow Leader, a helper at Brownies, and serves as District Commissioner for Cumnock, supporting all local units and coordinating information across her district. With nearly 37 years in Guiding, she continues to enjoy a wide range of trips and activities with the girls and fellow leaders, including a recent overnight at the Glasgow Science Centre. Plans are already underway for their next sleepover at the Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre.

Alison Duthie has been connected to the pipe band community for almost three decades. Her journey began through Highland Dancing, which included performing at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where she met her husband. He was performing with the Black Watch Pipes and Drums and, originally from New Zealand, had previously played with St Andrews College, Canterbury Caledonian, The Vale, Tayside Police, and later served as Pipe Major of Perth and District and 7 SCOTS (TA).

After many years supporting the pipe band world from the sidelines, Alison formally joined in 2020 by taking up the tenor drum. She played for three seasons before transitioning into an RSPBA Director’s role, bringing with her long experience, organisational strength and a deep commitment to the development of the Association and its members.

Pipe bands remain very much a family passion. Alison’s daughter Eilidh is a tenor drummer with Perth and District, while her daughter Katie is a piper with Police Scotland Fife.

David Hunter was appointed as a Director in November 2025. He has served on the RSPBA Marketing & Media Committee as one of the subject-matter experts and has been the Media Representative for the Dundee, Perth & Angus Branch for several years.

David has more than 20 years’ experience as a piper in pipe bands, beginning with Mains of Fintry Pipe Band before moving to the Royal Air Force Leuchars (now Central Scotland) Pipes & Drums. Most recently, he has performed with MacKenzie Caledonian, playing both bagpipes and bass drum. His piping career has taken him around the world, largely through his service with the Royal Air Force Pipes & Drums, including performances at international tattoos such as the Basel Tattoo, Berlin Tattoo, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney, Australia. He was also honoured to take part in the RAF100 celebrations, performing down the Mall in London.

A long-standing contributor to piping culture and media, David has been designing and typesetting music books since 2007, meaning many pipers likely have one of his works on their shelves. He is also a two-time Scots Trad Music Awards nominee in the category “Trad Music in the Media” for his live weekly interview series, Tartan Tunes, broadcast on YouTube and Facebook.

Sharon Smith was appointed as an RSPBA Director and Convenor of the Music Board on 6 December 2019. She previously served as Contest Secretary for the Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway Branch for over 15 years and has held the same role with the Glasgow and the West of Scotland Branch for the past five years. Sharon began her involvement in the pipe band world as a Drum Major in 1989, later retiring from competition and moving on to play tenor and then bass drum with her local band. When the Glasgow and the West of Scotland Branch sought a new Contest Secretary, she stepped forward to take on the role and was soon after invited to represent the branch as an RSPBA Director.

Her experience and enthusiasm have led her to work extensively with the Music Board and its subgroups, including the Format Group, World Solo Drumming, and Standards and Grading Group—one of the largest and most active areas within the Association. Sharon continues to play bass with a GWOS band and values the opportunity to collaborate with the many talented and knowledgeable musicians she has met through her RSPBA work.

Beyond her official duties, Sharon takes great pride in her family’s musical involvement—both of her children play in pipe bands, although, as she jokes, her husband doesn’t have a musical bone in his body!

Michael Kerr was appointed as Director for the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch in December 2024. His involvement with pipe bands began in 2014 when he started learning the chanter with Paisley Pipe Band Novice Juvenile. He went on to play with Stamperland Pipe Band in Grade 3A for a couple of seasons before progressing to Grade 2 with Dumbarton and District Pipe Band, where he also supported the Novice Juvenile Band as Assistant Pipe Major. After several years with Dumbarton, Michael joined Kilbarchan Pipe Band as Pipe Corporal, helping the band achieve significant success, including titles as British, United Kingdom, and European Champions, as well as Champion of Champions in 2022 and European Champions again in 2023. He now plays with RBLS Paisley Pipe Band, serving as Assistant Pipe Major.

During his time with Kilbarchan, Michael took on the role of Band Secretary and regularly attended branch meetings, later becoming minute taker. When a Director’s position became available, he was invited to take on the role—a responsibility he accepted with enthusiasm. Within the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, he also serves as Trophy Convenor and Branch Secretary.

As a Director, Michael helps oversee the running of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and contributes to two key groups: the Standing Orders and Steering Committee (SoSC) and the Adjudicators’ Panel Management Board (APMB). The SoSC is responsible for maintaining the Association’s constitution, interpreting rules, and advising on policy and procedure, while the APMB oversees the management, training, and professional standards of RSPBA adjudicators. In these roles, Michael works to ensure fairness, consistency, and excellence across competitions and to strengthen the connection between adjudicators and the Association for years to come.

Outside of his RSPBA duties, Michael’s life remains closely tied to the pipe band community—he met his wife, Margaret, through pipe bands when she was a drummer with Kilbarchan Pipe Band. The couple went on their first date in September 2015 and were married in July 2025.

Jackie Allan QVRM TD DL – was appointed in 2022 as Director for London and the South of England and serves as Branch Chairman, having previously held the role of Branch Chair. A piper with the Essex Caledonian Grade 4B Band and its precursor bands since the 1980s, Jackie brings extensive leadership experience from her career as Deputy Chief Executive of the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and over 40 years’ service in the Army Reserve as a Royal Signals officer. She organises five branch contests each year, managing venues and fundraising activities, and serves as Marketing and Media Committee Convenor, where she has introduced a fundraiser, created a shop page on the website, enhanced social media engagement, progressed plans for a new website, and begun preparations for the RSPBA centenary in 2030. She is also a member of the Finance Committee, contributing to financial planning, account scrutiny, and compliance with legal and charity regulations.

Beyond the RSPBA, Jackie is a Deputy Lieutenant for Essex, where her voluntary duties include representing the Lord-Lieutenant at civic and charity events, working with military cadet forces to appoint and support five Lord-Lieutenant Cadets annually, and assessing charities nominated for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. In her spare time, she is an enthusiastic – if not especially skilled – gardener, nearly self-sufficient in vegetables, and enjoys walking, rambling, family life, and local community activities.

Paul Starr was appointed as a Director in November 2023, having previously served as Branch Trophy Officer for the Lothian and Borders Branch. A dedicated piper for most of his life, Paul has been involved with numerous bands over the years and was inspired to take on a directorial role through his interest in the organisation and management of competitions at branch level. In his current position, he is responsible for overseeing the competition arena, ensuring that Association rules are followed, collecting critique sheets for each performance, and managing and verifying placing sheets. Paul also serves as Chairperson for the Lothian and Borders Branch.

Beyond his work with the RSPBA, Paul is a keen photographer, an enthusiastic piper, and the proud owner of a collection of novelty rubber ducks.

Malcolm Brown-Scott was appointed as Director for the Lothian and Borders Branch in 2019 and currently serves as Convenor of the Finance, Insurance and Maintenance Committee. He previously held the role of Music Board Convenor. With extensive experience in finance and accounting within the manufacturing industry, Malcolm brings strong analytical and organisational skills to his role. A lifelong piper, he has played with a number of bands including the 1st Coldstream Boys’ Brigade, Coldstream Pipe Band, Galashiels RBL, The “Blue Bonnets” City of London Grade 3, Scottish Gas Grade 1 and 2, The Links of Forth Grade 2, The Macnaughtons/Robert Wiseman Dairies Vale of Atholl Grade 1, Linlithgow Grade 3A, Torphichen and Bathgate Grade 1 and 2, Scottish Fire and Rescue Grade 2, and most recently with Livingston Caledonia as a social player.

He also owned and ran an entertainments agency and has performed at many prestigious events, including the Boys’ Brigade Centenary celebrations at Ibrox Stadium, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Albert Hall; concerts at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall such as the Millennium Concert and Back to the Future; Cultural Week in Beijing; and the Stade de France concert with Dan Ar Braz. As part of the Finance, Insurance and Maintenance Committee, Malcolm is responsible for monitoring the Association’s finances on behalf of the Board of Directors. At competitions, his duties include managing one of the contest rings, performing registration checks, assisting with ring clear-downs, and supporting the smooth running of awards ceremonies. Outside of his official duties, Malcolm is proud to have been the winner of the RSPBA Diamond Jubilee 6/8 March competition.

John Gibb was appointed as Director for the North of Scotland Branch in November 2012, following two years as a Branch Steward from 2010 to 2012. His involvement with the RSPBA began through his four children, all of whom were taught by and played with Bucksburn & District’s Novice Juvenile Band. Three of them went on to perform in Grade 1 bands, and John’s growing interest in the pipe band world led him to join the Bucksburn committee. His regular attendance at contests and events naturally evolved into a deeper commitment, and after two years of stewarding, he was appointed to a Director’s post.

John currently serves as Convener of the Standing Orders and Steering Group, which is responsible for administering the Association’s rules and managing any queries or proposed changes. He also sits on the Marketing and Media Group, following several years as one of the Directors on The Pipe Band College. Drawing on his numeracy background, John took on additional responsibility in early 2024 as the Director overseeing results compilation at all Major Championships.

Outside of his RSPBA duties, John enjoys playing golf and previously competed in darts at County level. His proudest sporting moment came when he defeated the reigning World Champion in an exhibition match—hitting the winning double while on his knees!

Lezley Parsons has been a Director of the RSPBA since 2021, representing the North of England Branch. A retired HGV Class 1 lorry driver, though he freely admits he does not enjoy being retired, Lez lives in Garforth near Leeds, close to the A1 and M62. He is married, with two sons and two grandchildren. When he is not involved in something pipe band related, he can usually be found out on his motorbike if the weather is sunny, or polishing it when the weather is wet and miserable.

Lez has been part of the pipe band community since 1998, beginning as a snare drummer with the City of Leeds Pipe Band, where he also served as one of the band’s representatives. After leaving the City of Leeds, he joined Houghton-le-Spring Pipe Band, where he remains an active member.

Invited to become a Director in 2021, Lez accepted the role and began learning how the RSPBA operates behind the scenes. As Director for the North of England, he has taken on a range of responsibilities and travelled widely on Association business. He often reflects on how much unseen work goes into running events, acknowledging the dedication of the many volunteers who give their time to support the hobby we all enjoy.

Ray Hall MBE was appointed as a Director in 2022, bringing with him a lifetime of dedication to the pipe band community and a wealth of professional experience in governance and risk management. He began piping at the age of 11 with Killadeas Pipe Band in County Fermanagh, later joining the Royal Air Force in 1977 where he played with several RAF Pipe Bands, including the Combined RAF Pipe Band. From 1993 to 1996, Ray played and competed with Ballydonaghy Pipe Band, and upon returning to County Fermanagh, he became a member of Moybrone Pipe Band. He served as Chairman of the Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA from 2012 to 2021 and as Secretary of the Fermanagh Section from 2002 to 2023, and he currently holds the position of Section Treasurer.

Professionally, Ray recently retired from Local Government, where he managed the coordination of multi-agency emergency preparedness, response, and recovery across six council areas. His previous roles included Risk Manager with Mid Ulster District Council and Head of Audit, Risk, and Governance with Cookstown District Council. With qualifications and extensive experience in event management, health and safety, risk management, and governance, Ray brings strong leadership and strategic insight to his role within the Association.

As a Director, Ray provides direction and oversight for the RSPBA and represents the interests of member bands and branches. On contest days, he ensures that Association rules are followed and that championships run smoothly and efficiently. He also serves on the Finance, Insurance and Maintenance Committee, the Standing Orders and Steering Committee, and the Executive Committee.

Beyond his formal duties, Ray has a deep passion for traditional music, which aligns with his role on the Board of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. He also enjoys cooking—particularly Indian cuisine—though his family and friends often joke that his culinary creations should come with a health warning.

Alistair McCleery was appointed as Director for the Northern Ireland Branch in November 2022, having previously served as Vice Chairman of the NI Branch from 2022 to 2024 and as a band steward for approximately four years from 2018 to 2022. Immersed in the pipe band community since the age of 16, Alistair has been an active competitor and has formed many lifelong friendships through his years in the movement.

He has served as Pipe Major of Ballydonaghy Pipe Band for 14 years and has been deeply involved in the County Antrim section of the NI Branch, beginning as a band representative for Ballydonaghy before becoming County Secretary and later being nominated as a representative to the RSPBA NI Branch Executive. In his role as Director, Alistair is committed to upholding the proud character of the RSPBA, ensuring fairness across all activities, supporting the smooth running of events, and representing Northern Ireland bands to ensure their voices are heard within the Association.

Outside of his RSPBA duties, Alistair enjoys travelling to sunny destinations—his favourite recent trip being a Caribbean cruise—and spending time with his two miniature schnauzers, who firmly believe they run the house.

Geoffrey Hamilton – Information to follow.