The Finlay MacDonald Band brings together the tightest of jazz and funk grooves with blistering traditional and contemporary bagpipe tunes. They are forging a reputation as one of the hottest contemporary live acts.

Finlay MacDonald (pipes, flute, whistles) with Chris Stout (fiddle), Kevin MacKenzie (guitar), Fergus MacKenzie (drums) and John Speirs (bass).

Finlay MacDonald began learning the Highland Bagpipe at the age of ten. He was taught first by his father, Pipe Major Iain MacDonald (of Neilston and District Pipe Band), and latterly Duncan Johnstone and Pipe Major Angus MacDonald. He was one of the first ten students on the BA Scottish Music Course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. In his final year at the RSAMD Finlay specialised in composition and performance, graduating in 1999.

The Finlay MacDonald Band have been keen to explore their country's musical heritage in greater depth, and focus on the interaction between different musical styles while keeping the greatest respect for the tradition. The exciting pedigree of this group of accomplished musicians tells you you're in for a vibey, rhythm-filled listen which is enhanced further in their live performances.

"The collective sound is a mix of virtuosic tune playing and tight jazz funk grooves." (Music World Central)

"Deep roots in the pipe band tradition, but grafted on to a distinctly contemporary musical sensibility to produce a compelling hybrid." (The Scotsman)

"Proves that Scottish music is firing on all cylinders, and then some... Finlay MacDonald is part of the new breed of virtuoso young pipers..." (The Scotsman)