Though he predicted that he was going to be involved in the Pipe Bands for many years, Bill Barclay can't possibly have expected that his fifties would bring such recognition throughout the North of Scotland from his kilt making business and his appointment as Chairman of the North of Scotland branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. 

Yet somehow this stalwart of the local Pipe Band scene, one of the most sucessful Drum Majors to come from these parts in recent times, has reached the pinnacle of success.

Bill Barclay's desire to be part of Pipe Bands runs in the family.  His dad Bill was a piper and fiddler, while his mum Margaret was also a keen fiddler, between looking after the kids.  Both parents were keen young Bill take up the chanter and at age just 9, the Oldmeldrum Pipe Band started in his local primary school, signally the start of his musical career.

Bill recalls: "The Band were sponsored by the then Laird Robin Duff, who had been a war correspondent.  The Pipe Major was Sid Ross ex Gordon Highlander.  Like all kids, I was told yer gyan an neen o yer nonsense,"  So the story unfolds.

Bill, born in Fyvie Cottage Hospital on the 4th of November, 1955, spent his early years following his fathers footsteps by learning to play the pipes with Oldmeldrum.  He recalls learning to play under the watchful eye of his father before breaking the news that he was "progressing" onto the drums in search of more fun.

Bill recalls that didn't go down too well with Bill senior and almost stopped short his career there and then!

However, his talents were soon being recognised and aged about 14, he started playing seriously with the local Band.  Bill said: " I remember we took on the roll of the local Band and played at the various events within Oldmeldrum, culminating of course in competing at Oldmeldrum Sports, which even to this date is a massive event."

At age 18, Bill moved to Kintore Pipe Band.  Here he spent time taking full advantage of what was on offer.  Bill said: "The time I spent at Kintore led to a number of firsts.  First time I competed as a Bass Drummer in a major competition.  First time I had been to Lonach for the famous Lonach Games.  But also it was the first time I met my long time friend Bert Summers - and that's a story in itself."

At age 19, Bill left to serve in the Royal Marines, a time that he recalls with obvious pride. 

Unfortunately, injury cut short his time in the Forces and on returning home to the north east, he returned to playing with the Kintore Band.

But Bill, who married his wife Karen in 1980, was soon forced to try a different role and it was at that stage he tried his hand at the role of Drum Major.  He said: "After a year or two my injury problems meant that I just wasn't capable of carrying the big bass drum and at that time I decided to try the Drummy’s Job.  I was under the watchful eye of Norman Taylor who taught me some of the basics and the moves."

Under Norman's tuition, Bill built up his confidence and quickly honed his skills.

His first breakthrough came soon after, at Turriff, three weeks after picking up the mace.

Since then he has progressed on to be one of the leading Drum Majors of his era, twice picking up the coveted title North of Scotland Champion and an array of major awards including European, World, Scottish, British and World Championships.

There are few Drum Major trophies which don't have Bill's name engraved somewhere.

Bill recalls some of the names from his time. 

He said: "There are probably few left who remember him but there was a real character from Italy called Alberto Donati MacDonald.  I shared many a large glass of the brown stuff with him.  What a man."

"Of course there was Alec Bingham from the central belt who was a stone Mason and reputed to have some of the largest erections in the country...."

Then of course, there's probably one of the best loved local Drum Major of all, our very own Mr Bert Summers.  Bill said: "Never on time, Bert Summers is the man who dragged me around the country to all the Major and local contests.  He showed me things I didn't think were humanly possible.  That was even without his mace." 

"Both my Daughters were Highland Dancers and it was really a family day out."

Bill's last years of active competition were hampered by the demands of his job as a lorry driver.  Bill has undertaken a range of jobs in his time.  He said: "Thinking back my employment record is quite colourful. I have worked as a Joiner, Marine, Security Supervisor, Driver and Transport Controller.  But I really enjoy my role in Grampian Police, working within the Roads Policing unit."

In 1995, having passed all the required exams the year previously, Bill started out on the judging circuit.

The late Drum Major Tom Hair and Jim Robertson were his mentors during this part of his career.

After 10 years on the circuit judging the local and major contests both in this country and continental championships in Europe, Bill was to venture into another important stage of his career in the world of Pipe Bands – kilt making.

Bill said: "My Kilt making business which I started in 2000 was taking off and I really didn't have the time to travel the country the same."

Bill remembers how he started out in kilt making: "I really fell upon kilt making through necessity really.  It started as a must many years ago because of the lack of the folding stuff - money."

"Old Gordon's Kilts were worn by many Bands in the local area because they were cheap at the time, but one size fitted all.  Mine was like a corset so something had to be done." 

"With no spare cash about, it meant that DIY was required."

Word soon got around that Bill was a handy tailor.  He said: "Once I had done mine, others saw it and then everyone wanted theirs changed.  It was all hands to the deck."

Robert McBain ex Sgt Tailor - Gordon Highlanders gave Bill the opportunity to complete a training programme at the Keith Kilt School in 1999.  There he gained two SQA certificates in Traditional Hand Crafted Kiltmaking and also The Kilt School Certificate.

Bill added: "I was working as a civvy Driver with Grampian Police on shift work.  Every free day was spent in the Kilt school.  It was a lot of hard work but very worthwhile at the end of the day."

"I really do think it important to keep tradition alive and all my kilts are tailored in the traditional way to a very high quality."

Over the years Bill has built up a highly successful company sending kilts to all corners of the globe. 

But his proudest work remains that worn by his own Pipe Band - Grampian Police.

When asked by Pipe Major Drew Sinclair to assist in designing a new tartan for Grampian Police to celebrate the Band's centenary, Bill and Drew set about designing a suitable tartan for the Force to have and for the Band to wear. 

Bill continues to make all of Grampian Police Pipe Band's kilts, and Band Manager, Chief Inspector Murray Main said: " We are truly indebted to Bill and his wife Karen for all they do to ensure members of the Band each have a new kilt made to their needs.  The kilts really are expertly made to the highest standard and look fantastic."

Bill continues to lead Grampian Police Pipe Band at engagements and has been leading Drum Major at Aboyne Games for the last 17 years, a position he remains very proud to undertake even to this day.

He said: "I partake in all the local games, although Karen says sometimes a little too much...." 

In recognition of his continued involvement in the local Pipe Band scene, Bill was appointed Chairman of the North of Scotland Branch of the RSPBA, a role he has now held for the last three years.

Bill, who has just been re-elected for a second spell doing the top job, is extremely honoured to undertake the prestigious role and said: "My main priority is protecting the musical heritage.  I've loved my time in Pipe Bands and we must all do what we can to ensure the future of Pipe Bands, particularly here in the northeast. 

"Education has been a real priority for the Branch and seeing the huge numbers of local youngsters taking up piping and drumming has been a real boost to everyone.  We are in a really strong position going forward and hopefully we will see our members and Bands successfully compete in both the local and major competitions next year and individuals complete their PDQB exams."

Chief Inspector Main added: "Few Bands can boast that they make their own kilts and we are all really proud of everything Bill has achieved."    

Bill said: "I have always been willing to roll the sleeves up and assist where I can. This has been my motto throughout my life and it will likely continue to be my position."

For more information about Bill's kilt making business or to place any order, please visit his web Site www.billskilts.co.uk which is being constructed.

ENDS