Stuart "Young Beef" Currie was born in Dumfries but in his younger days moved about Dumfries and Galloway as his father was a police officer. The family eventually settled down in Kirkcudbright. Stuart spent 12 years with Kirkcudbright and District Pipe Band and then joined joined the Grade 1 Annan Ex Service Club Pipe Band. After a 2/3 year break due to work commitments, he joined the DGCPB in 1998. He now lives in Dumfries and is married to Clare with whom he has a son, Kyle. He currently works as a lorry driver, and has a very understanding Transport Manager.

When Did You Start Playing And Who With?

I started playing in 1980 when I was 10 years old with Kirkcudbright and District. A couple of mates and I walked into the band hall for a laugh really and the pipe major, Billy McRobert asked if we wanted to learn. So the three of us said yes but I was the only one who turned up. Been at it ever since.

What Other Bands Do You Like To See And Hear?

The usual top bands SFU, FMM, BOG&BATH, WAPOL.

Who/What Has Influenced You In Your Playing?

I was taught the basics by Bob Moir from Kirkcudbright for the first year but I have had no other tuition apart from what I've learned from playing with the bands I have played for. Listening to top soloist like John D Burgess,Angus McDonald and the likes of Bruce Gandy and Micheal Grey also The Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

Do You Have Any Favourite Tunes Or Musical Pieces?

The Keel Row Suite by SFU, Steam Boat to Mallaig, Hugh Kennedy, Bronnis Blue Brozzie, Charlies Welcome.

Are There Any Particular Pipe Band Or Solo Performances That Stand Out In Your Mind?

Strathclyde Police six in a row, Field Marshall 2002 performance at the worlds.

What Other Hobbies Do You Have?

Sitting about, sleeping, eating, motorsport, the family thats aboot it I think.

What Other Types Of Music Do You Like To Listen To?

The Radio West Sound Ceilidh on a Saturday night. But I like Pink Floyd,REM,Bryan Adams.

Do You Play Any Other Instruments?

I used to play the cornet at school but was kicked into touch when I started learning the pipes.

Any Amusing Moments That Stick In Your Mind From Your Years In Pipe Bands?

Nothing springs to mind its all been amusing and fun.

What's Been The Best Band Trip (Not Necessarily With D&G Police)?

Not been many but about 1983/4 I went to the south of France with Thornhill pipe band. I was only 13/14 but it was fun.

What, If Anything Annoys You In The Pipe Band World?

The usual biast judging, tramping aboot in mud and s***e all day and crap P.A systems.

Have You Ever Had A Break In Your Playing Career? If So, Why?

2/3 years out in 1988 to 90/91 because I moved to London to work, I have also had 2/3 seasons out from the police band due to work commitments.

What are The Highlights Of Your Playing Career?

Numerous successes with the police band, playing in Dusseldorf Germany on a trip with Dumfries College, and recently (June 2004) playing at a flower festival in Nagano Japan (I've got big Mushett to thank for that one!).

And Are There Any Low Points?

2003 season when the band did'nt turn out due to lack of numbers but were back.(But we all new that anyway.........ye canny haud a geed bunch doon!!)

What Are Your Goals Within The Pipe Band World?

To be in and stay in grade 1 with the D&G Boabies, so we'll see ye up there!

Finally, If You Could Be Re-Incarnated As Anyone, At Any Point In History, Who Would It Be?

Richard Parkes because as far as I am concerned he can set a pipe band up second to none, just listen it says it all.