Liam retraces Royal Mile march nearly 20 years after Parliament opening

The highly successful drum major, who has won UK, British, Scottish and European Championship titles among many other honours during his competing career, described the occasion as a “full circle moment”.

“The opening of the Scottish Parliament was one of my first ever events outside of Campbeltown, other than a competition,” Liam told the Courier. “I never thought it would take nearly 20 years to march down the Mile again.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities the art of drum majoring has given me.”

Liam was invited to take part in the parade as a member of The Force, a world-class display team of champion Scottish drum majors led by six-time World Champion Paula Braiden.

“I was asked to take part representing The Force,” he explained. “I am long-time friends with Paula Braiden and I’ve been helping out with a few of their events over the last few years, performing and behind the scenes.”

First held in 2025, the Edinburgh Tartan Parade celebrates Scottish heritage, tartans and culture, bringing together pipe bands, dancers, musicians and organisations from across Scotland and beyond.

For Liam, the event brought back memories of the 2007 opening of the Scottish Parliament, when members of Kintyre Schools Pipe Band marched down the Royal Mile before performing for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and then-First Minister Alex Salmond.

Liam said: “I can remember Prince Philip giving me a wave as the band and I gave the royal procession a salute at the bottom of the Mile.” 

The original event was a landmark occasion for the young members of Kintyre Schools Pipe Band, who also performed inside the Parliament building itself for politicians, dignitaries and members of the public.

Reflecting on this year’s return to Edinburgh, Liam said one of the highlights was marching through the heart of the capital’s Old Town.

“Marching down Cockburn Street was cool,” he said. “There’s so much history.”

He added: “It was a great wee day out in Edinburgh and everyone managed to pull off all the routines and performances brilliantly.

“It was also great to see and catch up with my friends performing for the Rollin Drones in the afternoon and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers at night. The crowd was huge!”

Liam is taking a break from competing this year – for the first time in 22 years – but said he remains grateful for the backing he has received from his hometown throughout his career.

“I’d like to say thanks for all the local support over the years,” he added. “It means a lot.”