Ian Duncan

From a childhood in rural Aberdeenshire, bagpiper Ian Duncan has established himself, in a quiet and modest way, as one of the leading figures in the modern pipe band movement.

In 1973 he became pipe major of Pitlochry based Vale of Atholl Pipe Band - at that time a village band with little involvement in the cut and thrust of competition. By 1988 the Vale of Atholl were Grade 1 European Champions, with a reputation for innovation and brilliance in the concert setting. This reputation endures, and Ian remains one of the most skillful and imaginative pipe majors, now playing with the Drambuie-Kirkliston Pipe Band, winners of the Grade 2 event at the 2005 World Pipe Band Championships and the RSPBA's Champions of Champions title in that grade.

Less is known of his achievements on the solo platform, but under the tutelage of Pipe Major Jimmy Robertson, and later, the famous 'Bobs of Balmoral' (Bob Brown and Bob Nicol), he enjoyed considerable success in competition in the late 60's and 70's, including placing in the gold Medal in Inverness on three occasions.

He appears on Vol IV of the 1997 Piping Centre Recital Series (COMD2078), available on Temple Records