Five talented young drummers from Lewis and Harris proudly represented the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band at the World Solo Drumming Championships in Glasgow on 18 October 2025.
Competing among some of the world’s finest young musicians, the island was represented by Ryan MacDonald, Ryan MacLeod, and Robbie Scott in the Under-14 March Snare Drumming category, and Cailean MacLeod in the 14–16 March, Strathspey and Reel section.
Lucy MacDonald (12) competed in the Under-14 March Tenor Drumming event and achieved an outstanding 3rd place overall, making history as the first-ever world solo tenor drumming title winner from the Isle of Lewis.
This year’s success builds on the achievements of 2024, when Ryan MacDonald secured the Western Isles first solo snare drumming world title, placing 5th overall in the Under-14 category.
These achievements highlight the exceptional commitment, teamwork, and growing musical talent within the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band.
The drummers received excellent support from Pipe Major and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Piping Instructor Ashley MacDonald, Ian Alex MacDonald, and Ross MacDonald.
Drumming instructor Eilidh Young said:
“I’m incredibly proud of our drummers for taking to the world stage.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this level, and they face some very tough competition.
“It takes guts to get up there and give it their all.
“These kids are a great team, and it’s wonderful to see them grow as individual players while supporting one another as bandmates.”
Eilidh’s role as Drumming Tutor for schools in Lewis and Harris and the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band is made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Scottish Schools Pipes & Drums Trust (SSPDT), An Lanntair, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
This partnership ensures that young people across the islands have access to high-quality drumming tuition and opportunities to progress within traditional music at both local and national levels.
Pipe Major Ashley MacDonald, who is also Lucy’s mum, said:
“I am absolutely bursting with pride.
“This was Lucy’s first solo competition, a huge achievement for her.
“I was lucky enough to play for her on pipes, with Eilidh on snare.
“Rest assured, preparations are already underway for next year’s solo competitions!”
Lucy MacDonald added:
“I feel proud of myself for taking part.
“I have great support from my teachers and my mum.”
The Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band would like to thank their supporters and funders, the Scottish Schools Pipes & Drums Trust and Roddy at Lochs Motors Ltd, for their invaluable support and transport to and from Glasgow.
