ScottishPower Pipe Band is starting the new year in style after its Pipe Major, Chris Armstrong, was recognised for his services to music in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List.
Chris began piping at the age of 6 after seeing Torphicen and Bathgate Pipe Band playing at a local gala day and begged his parents for lessons. He’s never looked back since and began composing harmonies at 9 years old and assumed his first leadership position – as a Pipe Sergeant – at just 18 years old.
Currently celebrating his 20th year as Pipe Major, Chris joined the ScottishPower Pipe Band in winter 2005. The Pipe Band – which has been sponsored by ScottishPower since 1989 – has played across the globe and is one of the world's leading Grade 1 pipe bands, winning many accolades, including runners-up in the World Championships.
The band is in demand throughout the world and has previously performed in the US, Canada, Japan and China. The band has appeared before the late Queen at Braemar, for the Pope at St Peter's Square in Rome, with Sir Paul McCartney in Glasgow, at the Lord Mayor's Show in London, at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament and at the 75th Royal Variety Performance.
Chris’ personal career highlights include performing in the Pipe Band Pre-World’s concerts in both 2011 and 2019 – the biggest pipe band concert in the world – which gave him a chance to fully unleash the band’s creativity, as well as winning his first major and becoming All-Ireland and British Champions in 2018.
ScottishPower Pipe Major Chris Armstrong BEM said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked to receive this honour and feel very humbled and proud. It’s an amazing feeling to get such recognition for doing something you love and I hope it also encourages others to take up piping as it’s such a joyous industry to be part of. I love what I do and getting the chance to help others achieve their goals.
“I feel very lucky to have been able to make music with so many incredible musicians over the years and play in some of the most fantastic locations. This honour is the icing on the cake and I will treasure it forever.”
SP Energy Networks’ Scott Mathieson is Chairman of the ScottishPower Pipe Band. He said: “Huge congratulations to Chris on this very well-deserved honour that recognises the significant contribution he has made to piping and the music industry for many years. He is one of the best in the business and we’re very proud to have him leading such a talented team of pipers and drummers in the ScottishPower Pipe Band.
“We look forward to seeing the band continuing to grow from strength to strength, under the leadership of Chris and Drum Sergeant Jake Jorgensen. Chris’ honour is the perfect start to 2025 and hopefully the start of much more success to come this year.”