Mike started learning the side drum at the age of 9 with the 47th Aberdeen (Culter) Boys Brigade Pipe Band.

At 12, he was part of the Novice Juvenile Band competing successfully in both band and solo events. He progressed into the Culter and District Pipe Band and competed for a couple of years before other commitments forced him to stop playing.

The self employed painter and decorator returned to playing years later and, following a discussion and assistance from Brian Martin, Mike joined Buchan Pipe Band and enjoyed success with the corps particularly winning the Grade 2 European Drum Corps Championships in 2005.

Throughout his playing career, Mike has also been taught by Jim Inglis, Ian Elrick and both Tom and Gordon Brown

Mike joined Grampian Police Pipe Band at the end of 2009.