Marc Johnson - Side Drummer

Marc's Pipe Band career started in 1991 when he was seven years old.  Kathy Dempster taught him how to hold the sticks and he was soon attending practices with the 47th Culter Boys Brigade Pipe Band where he was taught by Brian Martin (Mooner), Carlyn Martin and our very own Trevor Crichton.

After a couple of years Marc left Culter and joined Portlethen where he received tuition from Jill McHaffie.  After six months Jill moved Marc to Bucksburn and District Novice Juvenile.
 
While at Bucksburn, the Band had many successes, winning competitions both local and major.  During the 1997 season they were crowned World Champions and Champion of Champions.  They also travelled over the world to Spain, Belarus and Marc was part of the group that travelled to Taiwan.
 
At the end of 2001, Marc joined Grampian Police Pipe Band under the leadership of Simon Lipp.  He stayed with Grampian until the end of 2004, when he joined Tayside Police under the leadership of John Moneagle.  During this time Marc enjoyed considerable success on the solo field.  2006 by far was the best year for Tayside when they won Scottish, British, 2nd at the Worlds and then Cowal Champions to be crowned Champion of Champions both as a band and Drum Corp.  The following season saw Tayside promoted to Grade 1 at the end of 2007.

 In June 2008, Marc left Tayside Police and rejoined Grampian Police.  

Marc has said he is looking forward to the challenges that are ahead with Grampian Police Pipe Band. Marc will become an important element of the team working with Nicky Gibson, Drew Sinclair and Colin Walker to establish Grampian Police Pipe Band to the top of Grade 2 and back into Grade 1 once again.