 Hi folks, I live in Kelso, Scottish Borders, and have been involved in music since about age 8 when I was taught how to play the 2-row melodion by my Dad. I then learned side-drum with Hawick Boys Brigade Pipe Band and was introduced to the accordion club scene at Bonchester Bridge Accordion Club. I moved to Kelso at about age 10 and continued to practice the box, and at 14 got asked to join my first band, which was the "Border Wanderers", led by local musician Frankie Mallen. By now I had a 3-row Paolo Soprani box and gained valuable experience playing with the 6-piece band. By now I had also learned the Highland Bagpipes and was playing with Hawick RBL band. After a few years I formed my own band, "Ace of Clubs", a 3-piece with accordion, guitar and drums, and we went on to be a very popular wedding band around the Borders. During this time I learned keyboards and guitar and also latterly bodhran. When I was about 16 I changed to 5-row continental accordion, and the photo above shows a young me with my second 5-row box, a Crucianelli Cr35 electronic. I eventually progressed to a midi-fitted accordion with my current box, a Paolo Soprani International IV, as shown on the home page. I now play solo, using my Paolo Soprani box, Ketron and Boss midi units, electric and acoustic guitars plus Digitech vocal harmoniser. | 
I now play pipes with Kelso Pipe Band, having also played drums with them for a while. The photo above shows me doing some serious blowing with the band at Springwood Showground, Kelso. See "Kelso Pipe Band" page for more info and photos. 
I also play with Coldstream Pipe Band. The photo above shows me playing with the band on the walkway above the famous transporter bridge at Bilbao, Spain. See "Coldstream Pipe Band" page for more info and photos. |