David started his drumming career in 1985 with the Dumfires RBL Pipeband. The band was lead by Pipe Major Graham Maxwell. He continued with this band for 5 years and after his sencond year he became Leading Drummer. In 1990 he left the band to join the Annan Ex Service Club Pipe Band, under Pipe Major Walter Cowan, the band was in Grade 1 at this point. David stayed with the band for 10 years and became Leading Drummer when the band was in Grade 2 under the late Pipe Major Callum Beck. In 2000 David left to join the David Urquart Travel Pipe Band, playing in Grade 1 under Pipe Major Ally Flecher/Don Bradford. He continued to play with this band for 5 year untill he left to join Dumfries & Galloway Police Pipe Band in 2005. He became Leading Drummer at the end of that season.

When did you start playing and who with?

I started drumming with the Royal British Legion Pipe Band in Dumfries in 1985 aged 11. old.

What inspired you to start playing?

It all started at a hogmanay party at my papa's house, my papa's brother had his pipes and his brother had his sticks and pad. I got the bug, the pad and sticks came home with me and the rest is history.

What other bands do you like to see and hear?

The top three bands are all good to listen to; Shotts, FM and Simon Fraser. Strathclyde Police always turn out a good solid drum corp.

Who/What has influenced you in your playing?

To start with anybody that played drums. When I started going to contests I would listen to Shotts under Jim Kilpartick with the famous five, I would listen to them for hours, they just blew me away! Other peoply that have influenced my dumming would have to be Colin Smith, Norrie Thomson, Tom Brown and Garry Killen.

Do you have any favourite tunes or musical pieces?

Yeah loads, the first horn pipe I ever learned was PipeMajor Colin Campbell's "Caprice", that still sticks in my mind after all these years! I also like some of the heavier turns like, "The Highland Wedding", "The Rant" and "Mrs Mac".

Are there any particular pipe band or solo performances that stand out in you mind?

Went to the Vicky Polis concert in 1998, I remember sitting in the crowd mezmerised thinking "no one can take the Worlds away from them this time" needless to say they went on to win on the Saturday (great band). Also Angu McCall at the piping club in Dumfries sticks in my mind, he was really on form that night!!

What do you do for a living?

I am a self-employed builder, but working outside in all weathers does nothing for my good looks and the rain does not mix well with my hair gel!!! so I get a little retreat from building in the form of teaching kids drumming round the local schools.

What other hobbies do you have?

I enjoy the odd game of snooker and watching the good auld Q.O.S. I have not good much time for anything else!

What other types of music do you like to listen to?

All sorts, for the latest charts to classic 80's, sick or what!

Do you play any other instruments?

No, have not got much spare time. Trying to keep a three year old busy is very time consuming, finding it very hard to explain why she cant come along to the band and play a PINK drum!! yes !

Any amusing moments that stick in your mind from your years in pipe bands?

Walking off the field at the Annan ROM contest, one of the guy's in the corp had a bad run. Colin Smith was the Leading Drummer at the time, he looked over to two fence stabs on the ground and said " Hey Mike, you have dropped your stick's" (sorry Mike). Everybody could not stop laughing and totaly forgot about the performance.

What's been the best band trip (not necessarily with D&G Police)?

France with the Dumfries RBL when I was about 14, don't think I have ever laughed so much in all my life!! Mind you being 14 it would have been anyone's dream trip! Also the 24hour trip to France with the DUT was shall we just say INTERESTING...........................................

What are the highlights of your playing career?

Band wise making 4 World Finals in grade 1 with the highest place being joint 7th with the Power has to be right up there! Solo wise winning branch championships both at Juv and Adult level. Making the semi-finals of the World Solo's and getting a 6th place at the Glagow Branch Championships, against a very tough lineup.

And are there any low points?

Always hard to take the results when they don't go your way, especially when you have played really well. I can think of a few but I dont really want to start rocking and having to attend the man in a white coat again so I will just leave it there!!!!!

What are your goals within the pipe band world?

To be part of a winning team that competes at the highest level.

Finally, if you could be re-incarnated as anyone, at any point in history, who would it be?

Kevin Costner in the film Field of Dreams, but my field would not be for baseball, mines would be a breast enlargement hospital. You know the saying " BUILD IT AND I WILL COME"!!!!!!!! (sorry I mean they).