About Ed
Ed has been playing the bagpipes for over 30 years, first picking up the instrument at the age of 9. With family roots in Aberdeenshire, he spent much of his childhood travelling to Scotland to visit relatives and take in the beautiful landscapes — and was always captivated whenever he saw a bagpiper perform.
Recognising his growing enthusiasm, Ed’s mother found him a local tutor in his hometown of Chesterfield — Pipe Major Alec Maclean of the Seaforth Highlanders (Mansfield branch). Alec kindly began teaching Ed and, after a year, introduced him to the Seaforth Highlanders Pipe Band. Ed quickly found his place as the youngest member, playing in street parades and even Indian weddings.
To help Ed develop his skills further, Alec later recommended that he join Ashbourne Pipes and Drums, where Ed competed in both solo and band competitions. He remained with Ashbourne for several years before moving to Sheffield for university. After a short break from piping, he joined the Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band, competing at all the major pipe band championships, including the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.
A Professional Piper
Alongside playing in bands, Ed began receiving private bookings at a young age. His first solo gig — bringing in the New Year at the Highwayman pub in Baslow — came when he was just 14. Treated like a star, he soon found himself performing regularly at a wide range of events: Remembrance Day parades, charity fundraisers, weddings, funerals, Burns Suppers, Hogmanay celebrations, and more.
Over the years, Ed has played for celebrities birthdays including Sir Alex Ferguson’s 80th, and has performed on the pitch at Hull Kingston Rovers in tribute to several late players, including Frank Milward. He’s also performed outside for the arrival of fans at Manchester United and Derby Rams games. His international highlights include weddings and parties in Slovenia, Croatia, Spain, France, and Ibiza — where he’s been invited to perform at exclusive football VIP events with attendees such as Steve Gerrard.
He’s also had the honour of playing at prestigious venues and for esteemed organisations. He performed regularly for Baldwin’s Omega’s Burns Suppers in Sheffield, and is frequently hired to play at Masonic doors, particularly for the Dore Lodge Temple.
Ed is also a familiar and welcome face at care homes across Yorkshire and Derbyshire. He’s regularly invited to perform at places such as Aire View in Headingley and Wykebeck Court in Leeds — especially for St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night celebrations, where his playing brings great joy to residents and staff alike.
Teaching & Celtic Rock
From 2012 to 2020, Ed served as the head bagpipe tutor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, where he helped develop the next generation of pipers. Although the course ended due to post-pandemic funding cuts, he continues to teach both online and in person. Many of his students have gone on to join pipe bands and perform at public events.
In 2025, Ed joined Gaelforce, a high-energy Celtic rock band based in Leeds. He performs with them at theatres, pubs, festivals, and special events across the UK — including Costa Fest in Ibiza.