Ben Duncan - Piping Recital

The Mackenzie Caledonian Piping Recitals are proud to present Pipe Major Ben Duncan, one of Scotland's foremost solo pipers and one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

A native of Edinburgh, Ben began learning the bagpipes at just four years of age, receiving tuition from Donald McBride and Harry McNulty before studying under Andrew Wright at the City of Edinburgh Music School, where he continued his musical education for an impressive 22 years.

Ben joined The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in 2007, serving operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After achieving a double distinction on the Army Pipe Major's Course in 2012, he became Pipe Sergeant Instructor at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming. In 2018, he was appointed Pipe Major of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and under his leadership the band claimed the Scottish, World and Champion of Champions Grade 3B titles in 2022. In recognition of his outstanding service to the Regiment and its Pipes & Drums, he was awarded the prestigious Duke of Kent's Medal for Meritorious Service.

As a solo competitor, Ben has amassed an exceptional record of success. He won the A Grade March, Strathspey & Reel at the Northern Meeting in 2017 and the A Grade Strathspey & Reel at the Argyllshire Gathering in 2018, while also collecting numerous Champion Piper titles at Highland Games throughout Scotland. In 2025, he was crowned Overall Champion Piper at Inveraray Highland Games for the second consecutive year and finished runner-up in both the A Marches and Jigs and the Former Winners' MSR at the Argyllshire Gathering, the latter earning him qualification for the prestigious 2025 Glenfiddich Piping Championships. His list of achievements also includes prize-winning performances in the Gold Medal and Masters competitions at Piping Live!, together with victory in the Hornpipe & Jig at the Uist & Barra Piping Competition.

Ben has continued that remarkable form into 2026, winning the Hornpipe & Jig at the Donald MacLeod Memorial Competition, the P/A Piobaireachd at the Scottish Pipers' Association Professional Competition, the P/A Piobaireachd and Overall Champion Piper title at the Atholl Gathering, and Champion Piper titles at both the Markinch and Aberdeen Highland Games.

Away from solo competition, Ben is the Assistant Pipe Major at George Watson's College in Edinburgh, where the band won the European Championship, World Championship and Champion of Champions title in 2024. He is also Pipe Sergeant of the world-renowned Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and recently retired as Honorary Secretary of the Piobaireachd Society.

The Mackenzie Caledonian Piping Recitals are honoured to welcome a piper of Ben's calibre. Renowned for his musicality, technical excellence and engaging performances, Ben's recital promises to be an unforgettable evening of outstanding Highland piping. Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast or simply appreciate Scotland's rich musical heritage, this is an event not to be missed.

We look forward to welcoming you for another memorable evening at the Mackenzie Caledonian Piping Recitals.