Jamie Smith is the youngest member of the band. Jamie is a pupil of J. Ross cowan, and is making his mark in the local and national solo piping scene. He joined the band just before Christmas and is expected to be a regular in the band this year.

When did you start playing and who with?

I started playing when I was twelve with the Annan Ex-Service Club Pipe Band and when they disbanded I then went to the RBLS Annan Juvenile Pipe Band which was under Chris Phair. Then when I was fifteen I started getting tuition from Ross Cowan who I am still going to for lessons. In August 2006 I left the band to concentrate on my solo playing over the winter. Then in January 2007 I was asked to join the DGCPB which I gladly accepted.

What inspired you to start playing?

Dont know really. Think it was hearing the bands at the Riding of the Marches at Annan and also watching the new years programme on BBC1 at midnight on Hogmanay when I was a wee boy.

What other bands do you like to see and hear?

The usual bands come to mind. The likes of Shotts and Dykehead, Field Marshall Montgomery, Simon Fraser University and a strong favourite of mine would have to be the 78th Fraser Highlanders.

Who/What has influenced you in your playing?

My teacher Ross Cowan and also listening to the top players like Willie McCallum, Angus MacColl and Stuart Liddel.

Do you have any favourite tunes or musical pieces?

I like a good competition M.S.R such as, The Duchess of Edinburgh, The Sheppards Crook and The Sheepwife. The piobaireachd The Old Men of the Shells and Catharines Lament and the hornpipes, Raigmore and Duncan Johnstone.

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

The 78th Fraser Highlanders when they done The Magentic Outlaw concert and also when Field Marshall came to Dumfries they put on a good concert. Also Angus MacColl on the Glenfiddich Piping Championship cd were he plays an M.S.R which is up there with the best performance I have ever heard. His tunes were The Argyllshire Gathering, The Cameronian Rant and Charlie's Welcome.

What other hobbies do you have?

I play football the odd Saturday with my mates and also go and play snooker on a Thursday night. Dont really get much time to do anything else as piping takes up most of my spare time.

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

I like bands like The Killers, Snow Patrol and U2. I also love dance music and especially listening to top DJs like Paul Van Dyk, Dave Pearce, Paul Okenfold, Dj Tiesto and Judge Jules.

What do you do for a living?

I am in 5th year at school where I will be staying for another year and then I will hopefully go to university to study to be a music teacher.

What, if anything, annoys you in the pipeband world?

Massed bands.

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

Not been on any good trips but hopefully that is all about to change.

What are the highlights of your playing career?

Winning my first solo competition and joining DGCPB.

And are there any low points?

Breaking down in the M.S.R at the British Legion competition in Edinburgh. It was the only time I have ever broke down and hopefully it will be the last.

What are your goals within the pipe band world?

To make it to G1 with DGCPB and to be established in that grade as one of the top bands.

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

To make it to G1 with DGCPB and to be established in that grade as one of the top bands.